Florida Republican Senate nominee Marco Rubio has informed NBC that he will not be able to participate in this weekend's debate with Democratic nominee Kendrick Meek on "Meet The Press" due to his ailing father's condition.

Rubio spokesman Alex Burgos said in a statement, "Unfortunately, the health of Marco's father, Mario Rubio, has significantly deteriorated in the last 48 hours. As a result, Marco plans to stay with his father and family during this time."

Burgos added, "Mario Rubio is 83 years old and suffers from emphysema and lung cancer. We have informed both NBC and Kendrick Meek's campaign about our need to reschedule this debate, and appreciate their understanding and kind words for the Rubio family during this difficult period."

NBC announced that the network will cancel this weekend's debate and will look for a date to reschedule. In a statement, the network said, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Rubio and his family during this time and we look forward to rescheduling the debate at a later date to be announced."

Meek spokesman Dave Hoffman said the campaign has wished Rubio's family well and will speak to the campaign next week about a future date. Gov. Charlie Crist, the independent candidate in the race, declined to participate in the debate. It's unlikely he will debate the major-party nominees on a rescheduled date.

Rubio's not the first candidate this cycle to cancel campaign activity due to a parent's condition. Former Ohio Rep. Rob Portman, another front-running Republican Senate hopeful this cycle, lost his father earlier this week.

Near the end of the presidential election in 2008, President Obama's grandmother fell ill, and he took a few days off at the end of his campaign to visit her in Hawaii before her death.