Larry King, veteran TV host, dies at age 87
Legendary television host and radio interviewer Larry King has died at the age of 87. His death was announced on Twitter by his company, Ora Media, stating the broadcaster passed away earlier today in Los Angeles. While the company did not reveal the cause of death, reports say King had been battling COVID-19 for weeks and had developed several health problems in recent years.
He died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles
"With profound sadness, Ora Media announces the death of our co-founder, host and friend Larry King, who passed away this morning aged 87 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles," the statement read.
King had faced several health issues in recent years
Earlier this month, it was reported that King had been hospitalized with the coronavirus. The veteran host had faced a number of health issues in the past few years, including Type-2 diabetes and heart attacks. In 2017, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer and had undergone successful surgery to treat it.
A brief about King's six-decade-long career
King had a 63-year-long career across platforms including radio, television and digital media. He first rose to fame in the 1970s with his radio program The Larry King Show. Thereafter, he was the host of Larry King Live on CNN, from 1985 to 2010. More recently, King hosted another program, Larry King Now, broadcast on Hulu and RT.
He is survived by three children
"Whether he was interviewing the US president, foreign leader, celebrity, scandal-ridden personage or an everyman, Larry liked to ask short, direct, and uncomplicated questions (sic)," Ora Media's note announcing King's death further read. In 2011, King had been honored with the Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award for his broadcasting works. He is survived by three children - Larry Jr., Chance, and Cannon.
You can read Ora Media's statement here
Heartfelt tributes pour in for the icon
Since the news surfaced, tributes have been pouring in on social media. "RIP Larry King, 87. A television legend," presenter Piers Morgan wrote on Twitter. Actor Kirstie Alley penned, "RIP Larry King.. one of the only talk show hosts who let you talk. Legendary." "I loved the easy breezy format of his CNN show," said host Andy Cohen. May his soul rest in peace.
