Longtime "Hardball" host Chris Matthews is recovering from prostate cancer surgery, according to an update on Monday from fill-in host Steve Kornacki on the MSNBC show.

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“Before we go tonight, Chris hasn’t been here the last few nights and he wanted to let you know why,” Kornacki said at the end of the 7 p.m. hour. “Chris is recovering from prostate cancer surgery last week.”

“The procedure went well, but he’s taking a few days to get back into fighting shape,” Kornacki added. “I know he’s looking forward to getting back very soon.”

Chris hasn't been here for the last few nights and we wanted to let you know why.



Chris is recovering from prostate cancer surgery last week. The procedure went well but he's taking a few days to get back into fighting shape. He's looking forward to getting back very soon. pic.twitter.com/3ofupU3HJy — Hardball (@hardball) October 15, 2019

Matthews last appeared on "Hardball" on Oct. 4. A date has not been yet been set for his return.

The 73-year-old has hosted the program for the past 25 years, with the last 20 airing on MSNBC. Prior to the move to MSNBC, “Hardball” aired on CNBC and the now-defunct America's Talking cable channel.

The title of the show was taken from Matthews's 1988 book, "Hardball: How Politics Is Played, Told by One Who Knows the Game."