After more than six decades dedicated to telling stories through broadcast and radio, longtime media host Larry King died at the age of 87.
A statement about his death was released early Saturday morning (January 23) confirmed King had passed away at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. As the news became public, some of country music’s biggest stars honored King for his monumental career and his iconic interviews.
Tim McGraw posted a clip of one interview he was a part of with King, and noted his great professionalism and ability to listen to his guests while sitting down to get to know them.
“I’ve had several opportunities throughout my career to sit and talk with Mr King. Some of my favorite discussions and interviews. Always welcoming, knowledgeable and generous with his interest in the discussion… Wish we had more shows like his to get to know folks on a different level. He was one of a kind,” McGraw wrote about King.
Jake Owen also shared a small bit of an interview he had with King right before headlining at the famous Hollywood Bowl. After growing up watching King for years, the “Beachin’” singer was honored to have a little bit of time with the broadcast legend.
“Larry was such a class act. He asked me questions no one had ever asked me, and we chatted for over an hour,” he recalled. “Rest in Peace Larry King. We will all miss you.”
Billy Ray Cyrus posted his own tribute to King, adding a photo of the two of them taken in more recent years to remember him.
“Sad to hear about the passing of Larry King. What an incredible man and legacy,” Cyrus said.
King’s family released their own statement about his passing, recounting the little details they loved about him over the years and reflecting on the impact he made on millions of people.
“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,” they said in the statement.
The family is asking those who want to send flowers or condolences to donate to the American Heart Association or the Beverly Hills Fire Department EMS.
According to CNN, sources say King had recently been hospitalized with COVID-19 in late December. He had also suffered multiple heart attacks throughout the years and underwent quintuple bypass surgery in 1987.
The cause of King’s death has not yet been released.