It has been reported that iconic TV host, Regis Philbin has passed away after a long battle with heart disease. The beloved star was 88.
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, the Philbin family shared the news: “We are deeply saddened to share that our beloved Regis Philbin passed away last night of natural causes, one month shy of his 89th birthda… 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,”
In 1988, Philbin began his run as host of Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee alongside Kathie Lee Gifford. After 15 years, Gifford left the ABC show but the pair remained close after her departure.
Philbin underwent an angioplasty in 1993, followed by triple bypass surgery due to plaque in his arteries in March 2007. In December 2009, the television personality had his hip replaced.
“We thank his fans and admirers for their incredible support over his 60-year career and ask for privacy as we mourn his loss,” the Philbin family says.
Regis is survived by daughters J.J. and Joanna, whom he shared with his wife of 50 years, Joy Philbin. He was also father to daughter Amy, whom he shared with his first wife Catherine Faylen. Philbin and Faylen had another child, son Daniel, who passed away in 2014.
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