US talk show host Jerry Springer has died aged 79, as his devastated family have paid tribute.
A statement from his family confirmed that he passed away peacefully at his home in Chicago on Thursday morning.
While his cause of death is yet to revealed, Jerry's family said he was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago, with his health sadly taking a turn for the worse this week.
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"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," family spokesman Jene Galvin said.
"He's irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humour will live on," Jene told TMZ.
Jerry is well-known for hosting the hit talk show The Jerry Springer Show for 27 years, which saw many outrageous guests appear in front of a cheering audience.
Before becoming a world-famous TV personality, Jerry ran a failed campaign for US Congress in 1970.
He was elected to Cincinnati's City Council in 1971, before becoming mayor of the city in 1977 and serving for one term.
Jerry started his broadcast career as a news anchor and commentator at WLWT in Ohio city before taking on the role of talk show host in 1991 when he started his iconic series which ran until 2018.
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