The legendary television host, Regis Philbin, died on Friday (July 24) of natural causes.
“We are deeply saddened to share that our beloved Regis Philbin passed away last night of natural causes, one month shy of his 89th birthday,” Philbin’s family shared exclusively to PEOPLE.
The family continued their statement to PEOPLE saying: “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.”
Philbin is best known as the host of Live! With Regis And Kathie Lee, which later became Live! With Regis And Kelly before he left the show in 2011 after 23-years on air, being replaced by Michael Strahan, who was later replaced by Ryan Seacrest. He was also widely known for his role as the host of the game show, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? from 1999 to 2002.
The accomplished actor, singer and host also featured in shows including: ‘Today,’ ‘Rachael Ray,’ ‘The Talk,’ ‘The Meredith Vieira Show,’ ‘The Tonight Show,’ ‘Entertainment Tonight,’ ‘The View,’ ‘The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,’ ‘Late Show with David Letterman,’ ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!,’ ‘Good Morning America,’ ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ ‘Late Night with Conan O’Brien,’ ‘Jeopardy!,’ ‘The Rosie O’Donnell Show,’ and more.
He was born on August 25, 1931, raised in the Bronx, NY. He died just one month shy of his 89th Birthday.
Philbin is survived by daughters J.J. Philbin, Joanna Philbin, Amy Philbin and his wife, Joy.
