David Lynch has no plans to retire despite emphysema diagnosis

Lynch, 78, has been a lifelong smoker

The filmmaker said he was diagnosed with emphysema due to his smoking habit

David Lynch has told fans he has no plans to retire despite suffering from emphysema.

The 78-year-old filmmaker said he was diagnosed with emphysema due to being a lifelong smoker. He said that if he had to give up smoking, he would "rather die."

Lynch made the revelation in a statement issued on Monday. He said he was sharing his diagnosis in the hope that it would help others to quit smoking.

"I've been a smoker for most of my life, and I know that it's not a good habit," Lynch said. "But it's something that I've always enjoyed, and it's something that I've never been able to quit."

"I know that emphysema is a serious disease, and I know that it can be fatal. But I'm not going to let it stop me from doing what I love."

Lynch is known for his surreal and often disturbing films, including "Eraserhead," "Blue Velvet," and "Mulholland Drive." He has also directed episodes of the television series "Twin Peaks."

Despite his health problems, Lynch said he is still working on new projects. He is currently developing a new television series and a new film.

"I'm not going to let emphysema get in the way of my work," Lynch said. "I'm going to keep making films for as long as I can."