Legendary TV host Regis Philbin passed away on July 24th at age 88 due to natural causes,  just one month shy of his 89th birthday. His family confirmed his death in an exclusive statement to People magazine.

“His family and friends are forever grateful for the time we got to spend with him – for his warmth, his legendary sense of humor, and his singular ability to make every day into something worth talking about. We thank his fans and admirers for their incredible support over his 60-year career and ask for privacy as we mourn his loss,” the family said.

His former Live! franchise co-hosts, Kathie Lee Gifford and Kelly Ripa, along with countless celebrities are paying tribute to the fallen TV host.

 

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There are no words to fully express the love I have for my precious friend, Regis. I simply adored him and every day with him was a gift. We spent 15 years together bantering and bickering and laughing ourselves silly—a tradition and a friendship we shared up to this very day. I smile knowing somewhere in Heaven, at this very moment, he’s making someone laugh. It brings me great comfort knowing that he had a personal relationship with his Lord that brought him great peace. I send all the love in my heart to Joy, to his children, to the rest of his family and to the innumerable people he touched over his legendary life. There has never been anyone like him. And there never will be.

A post shared by Kathie Lee Gifford (@kathielgifford) on Jul 25, 2020 at 2:37pm PDT

 

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We are beyond saddened to learn about the loss of Regis Philbin. He was the ultimate class act, bringing his laughter and joy into our homes everyday on Live for more than 23 years. We were beyond lucky to have him as a mentor in our careers and aspire everyday to fill his shoes on the show. We send our deepest love and condolences to his family and hope they can find some comfort in knowing he left the world a better place. – Kelly and Ryan

A post shared by Kelly Ripa (@kellyripa) on Jul 25, 2020 at 1:12pm PDT

 

We met during my first 5 minutes in show business. He was always gracious and giving. He have me a cat once from a litter his cat had. For years I had a black manx cat I had named, Regis! pic.twitter.com/eIr9F5I3sn

— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) July 25, 2020

 

Regis was a great broadcaster, a good friend and a tremendous amount of fun. He leaves behind a beautiful family and a TV legacy that will likely go unmatched. Regis, I hope our friend Rickles met you at the pearly gates with open arms and a slew of the insults you loved so much

— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) July 25, 2020

 

RIP Regis Philbin. A consummate gentleman and professional. It was always wonderful being in your presence. A class act. Rest well❤ https://t.co/XNiC2TIWah

— Viola Davis (@violadavis) July 25, 2020

What a loss- The wonderful Regis Philbin. I met him in 1985 when I was on the “Rodney Dangerfield Young Comedians Special” and we loved each other ever since. Such a TV icon and above all, a good man. My sympathies to Joy and all of his children and friends.

— bob saget (@bobsaget) July 25, 2020

Daytime Emmy award-winner, 2003 Hollywood Walk of Fame recipient and the Guinness World Record-holder for the “Most Hours on Camera”, Regis Philbin, started his entertainment career as a writer before snagging his own show, The Regis Philbin Show, in 1961. After a series of local gigs, the Bronx-native moved back to New York City in 1983 to host The Morning Show—which later became Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee. He hosted the long-running talk show for 23 years total—15 of those alongside co-host Kathie Lee-Gifford and the remaining with her replacement, Kelly Ripa. Regis also served as host of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, and had short stints on America’s Got Talent and Rachael Ray. 

Philbin joins his son Daniel Philbin who passed away in 2014. He leaves behind his wife Joy Senese and three daughters, J.J., Joanna, and Amy Philbin.

We’re sending our condolences to Regis’ friends and family.