Dr. Andrew Thillainayagam said Gibb was being treated for advanced colorectal cancer and had caught pneumonia as he was weakened from grueling doses of chemotherapy and two operations.
The 62-year-old singer fell into a coma last week after contracting the pneumonia. Thillainayagam said that three days ago he had warned Gibb's family that he may not wake up. Instead, Gibb is now fully conscious and able to speak.
Thillainayagam said Gibb is still in intensive care and is “exhausted, extremely weak and malnourished.” He is breathing with the help of an oxygen mask and needs intravenous feeding and antibiotics.
“It is testament to Robin's extraordinary courage, iron will and deep reserves of physical strength that he has overcome quite incredible odds to get where he is now,” Thillainayagam said in a statement.
The Bee Gees—British-born, Australia-raised brothers Robin, Barry and Maurice Gibb—had a string of disco-era hits including “How Deep is Your Love” and “Stayin' Alive.”