The 65-year-old musician, who has battled drinking problems and drug addiction in the past, had promised girlfriend Sally Humphreys he would kick the habit but he is finding it hard, reported Daily Express online.
"Ronnie has really tried to knock smoking on the head but it is one sacrifice too far. He told Sally he was going to give it his best shot but it just wasn't too be," a source said.
"He has done amazingly well removing alcohol and drugs from his life and cigarettes are the only vice he has left," the source added.