US Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist has said he is not about to retire despite widespread speculation about his ailing health.
"I want to put to rest the speculation and unfounded rumours of my imminent retirement," Chief Justice Rehnquist (80), who suffers from thyroid cancer, said in a statement issued by his family.
"I am not about to announce my retirement. I will continue to perform my duties as chief justice as long as my health permits," he added.
The Rehnquist statement surfaced hours after he was released from a hospital, where he had been admitted with a fever two days ago.
Chief Justice Rehnquist's illness has raised questions about his future as chief justice.
Justice Sandra Day O'Connor has already announced her retirement. If Chief Justice Rehnquist leaves too, President Bush would have two seats to fill on the high court, which has the final word in the US judicial system.
Mr Bush has not yet chosen anyone to replace Justice O'Connor despite pressure from across the political spectrum. A second vacancy would increase that ideological battle and could bring a major fight in the Senate, which must confirm the nominee.
An influential conservative on the Supreme Court for more than 30 years, Chief Justice Rehnquist was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in October. He has no deadline to meet if he decides to step down; Supreme Court justices are appointed for life, so he can retire any time.