Larry King, host of CNN’s ‘Larry King Live’, passes away at 87

The long time CNN host Larry King has died at the age of 87. His death was confirmed by his son, Chance, on Saturday morning.

King was an icon, who had conducted numerous legendary and important interviews with countless newsmakers. He was known for his vestiary sensibilities.

He hosted ‘Larry King Live’ on CNN for 25 long years, where he had interviewed presidential candidates, celebrities, athletes, movie stars, and people from all walks of life. Retired in 2010, King had hosted over 6,000 episodes of the show.

A statement of his passing was posted on his verified Facebook account.

“With profound sadness, Ora Media announces the death of our co-founder, host and friend Larry King, who passed away this morning at age 87 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles,” the statement said. “For 63 years and across the platforms of radio, television and digital media, Larry’s many thousands of interviews, awards, and global acclaim stand as a testament to his unique and lasting talent as a broadcaster.”

King had been hospitalized with Covid-19 in early January.

CNN President Jeff Zucker, in an interview, said “We mourn the passing of our colleague Larry King.”

“The scrappy young man from Brooklyn had a history-making career spanning radio and television. His curiosity about the world propelled his award-winning career in broadcasting, but it was his generosity of spirit that drew the world to him. We are so proud of the 25 years he spent with CNN, where his newsmaker interviews truly put the network on the international stage. From our CNN family to Larry’s, we send our thoughts and prayers, and a promise to carry on his curiosity for the world in our work.”

King fought against a number of health problems. He suffered numerous heart attacks. In 1987, he underwent quintuple bypass surgery, which inspired him to establish the Larry King Cardiac Foundation. The foundation aims are providing assistance to those who are without insurance.

In 2017, King had been diagnosed with lung cancer and has successfully undergone surgery to treat it. In 2019, he underwent a procedure for angina.

King had also suffered from the loss of two of his adult children, who died within weeks of each other. While his son, Andy King, died due to a heart attack at the age of 65, his daughter, Chaia King, 52, died after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

In his show, ‘Larry King Live’, he was always seen with an easygoing demeanor and brought a casualness to the standard Q&A format. He would pay attention and listen to what his guest had to say.

King wasn’t just known for his work on television but had also brought a different style in print through his column in USA Today.

One can, without a doubt, say that King had a memorable and iconic life, and died a star.