Larry King has died at the age of 87. The iconic TV host passed away at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after being treated for COVID-19 earlier this month.
Ora Media, a production company he co-founded, said in a statement: "For 63 years and across the platforms of radio, television and digital media, Larry's many thousands of interviews, awards, and global acclaim stand as a testament to his unique and lasting talent as a broadcaster."
King – who hosted 'Larry King Live' on CNN between 1985 and 2010 – was taken into hospital in late December after testing positive for coronavirus.
The TV legend also had Type-2 diabetes and had suffered from lung cancer, angina and heart attacks in recent years.
Statement from Larry King's family
We are heartbroken over our father's death, and together with our extended family mourn his passing.
The world knew Larry King as a great broadcaster and interviewer, but to us he was 'dad.' He was the man who lovingly obsessed over our daily schedules and our well-being, and who took such immense pride in our accomplishments — large, small, or imagined.
And, through it all, we knew without a doubt in the world that he loved us more than life itself. He was an amazing father, and he was fiercely loyal to those lucky enough to call him a friend. We will miss him every single day of our lives.
The outpouring of love and the remembrances of his remarkable career have touched us deeply and we are so thankful. In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask consideration of a donation to the American Heart Association or the Beverly Hills Fire Department EMS, to which a debt of gratitude is owed for the wonderful care they provided to our dad in his final years.
With deep appreciation, Larry King, Jr., Chance King, and Cannon King
CNN president Jeff Zucker has paid tribute to the world-famous broadcaster
He said on Twitter: "We mourn the passing of our colleague Larry King.
"The scrappy young man from Brooklyn had a history-making career spanning radio and television. His curiosity about the world propelled his award-winning career in broadcasting, but it was his generosity of spirit that drew the world to him.
"We are so proud of the 25 years he spent with CNN, where his newsmaker interviews truly put the network on the international stage. From our CNN family to Larry's, we send our thoughts and prayers, and a promise to carry on his curiosity for the world in our work."
Piers Morgan, who replaced King on the CNN network, has also taken to Twitter to pay tribute to the late star, describing him as a "masterful TV interviewer".
Piers wrote on the micro-blogging platform: "Larry King was a hero of mine until we fell out after I replaced him at CNN & he said my show was 'like watching your mother-in-law go over a cliff in your new Bentley.' (He married 8 times so a mother-in-law expert) But he was a brilliant broadcaster & masterful TV interviewer. (sic)"
Tributes poured in from all corners of the globe:
So Sorry to hear of your passing! RIP Larry King 🙏🏼 #larryking pic.twitter.com/8jDsLfxorP
— Madonna (@Madonna) January 24, 2021
Loved listening to Larry King on the radio growing up, late at night. Remember being so excited when he interviewed my parents. A real institution. #RIPLarryKing
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) January 23, 2021
Throughout his storied career at CNN, Larry King’s newsmaker tributes brought the world comfort in moments of grief. Join us at 9pm tonight to celebrate his life and legacy. It’s time to return the favor.
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) January 23, 2021
❤️🙏
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The world lost a true icon today. Larry was a caring, loving, and brilliant man! He was a dear friend to Phillip and me, and we will miss him greatly. Our deepest condolences go out to the King family, and to everyone grieving this loss alongside of us. His legacy will live on ❤️ pic.twitter.com/iJJZhqgHok
— Robin McGraw (@Robin_McGraw) January 24, 2021
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Everyone loved Larry—he had a kind heart and quick wit. He was genuine. I will miss my dear friend terribly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those who loved him. #LarryKing pic.twitter.com/4XU5wqnRgk
— Larry Flynt (@ImLarryFlynt) January 23, 2021
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RIP Larry King, legend who said this without blinking pic.twitter.com/rkISL6bWwS
— Jenny Nicholson (@JennyENicholson) January 24, 2021
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RIP to broadcasting legend Larry King.
He was here at the United Center in 1994 to unveil the Michael Jordan statue in front of a national audience.
Our thoughts are with his family & loved ones. pic.twitter.com/qUjut50Jpm
— Chicago Bulls Archive (@BullsArchive) January 23, 2021
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LARRY KING. A broadcasting icon who interviewed world leaders & celebrities the same as everyday people: with curiosity, humor & fairness. Rest well, Mr. King. There will never be another quite like you. My heart goes out to your family & loved ones.
Clip: Larry King Now, 2015 pic.twitter.com/Eqfcn04a5W
— Tracee Ellis Ross (@TraceeEllisRoss) January 24, 2021
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Larry King interviewed me on my birthday in 2018. We laughed and played around like siblings. Rest in sweet peace to a wonderful one. pic.twitter.com/PILT5hCHel
— Jenifer Lewis (@JeniferLewis) January 23, 2021
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Larry King interviewed me twice. Both times I was in shock for most of the interview because he’s such an icon. Such a natural. Such a pro. Here’s me and Melissa Rauch with him during TBBT. 💕 pic.twitter.com/9sWPNKuYJD
— Mayim Bialik (@missmayim) January 24, 2021
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