Matt Damon's father has died at age 74 following a long battle with cancer.

Damon's publicist Jennifer Allen confirmed to USA TODAY that Kent Damon died Dec. 14 saying, "Sadly, it's true."

Kent Damon died of complications from multiple myeloma, a rare blood disease that affects bone marrow, Allen said Saturday.

Kent Damon's condition had worsened in the past few months.

► July 29:Hall of Famer Brock says he's free of multiple myeloma after treatment

► March 21:Multiple myeloma patient, 76, says running keeps him going

► September 2016:'Big Lebowski' actor Jon Polito dies of multiple myeloma at 65

In October, Damon cited a "family emergency" to abruptly cancel an appearance at the 2017 Britannia Awards where he was to receive the Stanley Kubrick Award for Excellence in Film. Kate Mara accepted the honor on his behalf.

Damon spoke to Extra earlier this month about his father during an interview about his new movie Downsizing.

“It’s been a slow, unfolding — my dad’s sick — so that's been a process we're going through," Damon said, adding, “We’ll take any prayers you got, so throw ’em up there.”

Matt Damon has worked to raise awareness and money for cancer research and treatment since his father was diagnosed in 2010.

The Good Will Hunting and Jason Bourne star hosted private fundraisers in Los Angeles and attended benefits for the Massachusetts General Hospital's Cancer Center in Boston.

Contributing: The Associated Press. Follow Bryan Alexander on Twitter: @BryAlexand