Jim Kelly is recovering after undergoing a grueling surgery in New York City to treat a recurrence of oral cancer, according to his wife.

"Surgery is complete," Jill Kelly wrote in an Instagram post. "Thank GOD and the amazing team of doctors and nurses that took care of Jim today...and will continue to take care of him as he heads into a very significant time of recovery."

The surgery lasted nearly 12 hours. A hospital spokeswoman confirmed to The Buffalo News that the surgery, which was termed "complicated," was successful.

Kelly is expected to be attached to a feeding tube and trach tube for two weeks after the surgery.