The American talk show host, Jerry Springer, died at his home in Chicago earlier today.

The BBC reports that his family released a statement confirming the news and said he died peacefully.

“Jerry’s ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he tried whether that was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a photo or a word,” said Jene Galvin, a lifelong friend and spokesperson for the family, according to the BBC.

BREAKING: Jerry Springer, the longtime talk show host, has died at age 79, according to AP. https://t.co/XTEN5JVGlD pic.twitter.com/6bxCCXUSuh

— ABC News (@ABC) April 27, 2023

Springer was well-known for hosting the Jerry Springer Show, which was aired in the US between 1991 and 2018.

The talk show aired for 27 seasons and nearly 5 000 episodes, SkyNews reports.

Springer once described the show as “a rebellion against the elite, in a world where only the rich and famous were considered worthy for screen time.”

People reports that before his move to television, Springer was a politician. He was the 56th mayor of Cincinnati in the 1970s.

The family said in a statement that funeral services and a memorial gathering are currently being planned.

“To remember Jerry, the family asks that in lieu of flowers you consider following his spirit and make a donation or commit to an act of kindness to someone in need or a worthy advocacy organization. As he always said, ‘Take care of yourself, and each other.'”

A LIFE WELL LIVED: Legendary talk show host Jerry Springer dead at 79 https://t.co/BIr6GwsdX7 pic.twitter.com/NU7rPUaB3q

— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 27, 2023