Letter from Charles M. Schulz, dated Dec. 14, 1999:
Dear Readers, Colleagues, fellow cartoonists and Friends near and far:I have always wanted to be a cartoonist, and I feel very blessed to have been able to do what I love for almost 50 years. That all of you have embraced Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy and Linus and all the other 'Peanuts' characters has been a constant motivation for me.
It is important to me to tell you personally that I have decided to retire from drawing the 'Peanuts' comic strip, effective with the daily release of Tuesday, January 4th, 2000, (and Sunday release of February 20th), in order to concentrate on my treatment for and recuperation from colon cancer. Although I feel better following my recent surgery, I want to focus on my health and my family without the worry of a daily deadline.
Thank you for your kindness and support over the years and for the outpouring of good wishes since my surgery.
Sincerely,
Charles M. Schulz