American talk show icon Larry King has died at the age of 87. According to the Mirror, Larry died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles after battling the coronavirus. Ora Media—a company associated with him—confirmed his death online on Saturday morning.

It read: “With profound sadness, Ora Media announces the sad death of our co-founder, host and friend Larry King.

“For 63 years and across the platforms of radio, television and digital media, Larry’s may thousands of interviews, awards and global acclaim stands as a testament to his unique and lasting talent as a broadcaster.

“Additionally, while it was his name appearing in the shows’ titles, Larry always viewed his interview subjects as the true stars of his programs, and himself as merely an unbiased conduit between the guest and audience.

“Whether he was interviewing a U.S. president, foreign leader, celebrity, scandal-ridden personage or an everyman, Larry liked to ask short, direct, uncomplicated questions.

“He believed concise questions usually provided the best answers, and he was not wrong in that belief…

“Ora Media sends our condolences to his surviving children Larry, Jr, Chance, Cannon and the entire King family.

“Funeral services and a memorial service will be announced later in co-ordination with the King family, who ask for privacy at this time.”

The veteran journalist was taken to a hospital in January after he contracted the virus. He shot to stardom in the media industry by hosting Larry King Live on CNN from 1985 to 2010. After stepping down, he handed over the show to Piers Morgan to pursue other duties.