Dick Clark passed away this morning after suffering a major heart attack. Clark had been sick for a longtime and had been in St. John’s hospital in L.A. for an outpatient procedure last night.
“America’s Oldest Teenager” was 82.
Clark’s health had been declining ever since he suffered a major stroke in 2004. Long-time friend Smokey Robinson was spotted at The Grove in Los Angeles this afternoon and said that even though Clark’s death does not come at a surprise given his recent declining health, he is still saddened by the huge loss.
Stars took to Twitter to mourn their loss. Ryan Seacrest, Clark’s Rockin’ Eve co-host since 2005 said: “I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend Dick Clark. He has truly been one of the greatest influences in my life. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Al Roker said: “I got to meet him many times. One that always sticks out: I was meeting w/Dick in his office as the OJ verdict was announced. It was surreal. First [Soul Train creator] Don Cornelius, now Dick Clark. Two true broadcasting pioneers and giants, both gone.”
• Deborah Gibson: “Just heard about Dick Clark. Oh man…. So sad :-(”
• Alex McCord: “For now…Dick Clark….so long. RIP to the man I spent watching on New Year’s Eve as a kid and whenever I was at home, American Bandstand…the world’s perennial teenager.”
• Blake Shelton: “So proud I had the chance to shake hands with Dick Clark in my lifetime… Great man..”
• Jenny McCarthy: “RIP dick Clark. You were amazing to work with. U will be missed. Xxxoo”
• Patton Oswalt: “I finally get to apologize to GG Allin for never having him on Bandstand.” — Dick Clark’s last words. #rip”
• The band Heart: “Back in the 1960’s the pop culture catch-phrase was ‘Never trust anyone over 30’. Dick Clark was trustworthy all the way home. Rock on Sir! -Ann Wilson — Heart”
• Melissa Joan Hart: “Rest in Peace Dick Clark!! Thanks for entertaining my family for decades! New Years won’t be the same ever again!”
• Joan Rivers: “Very sad to hear about Dick Clark. What a great life. What a great career. Relevant until the end. He will be missed!”
• Snoop Dogg: “REST IN PEACE to the DICK CLARK!! U were pioneer n a good man!! Thank u sir”
• Paramore’s Hayley Williams: “RIP Dick Clark. Will think of you every NYE.”
• Chris Daughtry: “RIP Mr. Dick Clark. You will be missed”
• Billy Ray Cyrus: “R. I. P. Dick Clark. Thoughts and prayers with the Clark Family.”
• Sophia Bush: “RIP Dick Clark. What a legend …”
• Kevin McHale: “Dick Clark, what a a legend. Changed TV & Music forever. You will be missed Mr. Clark!”
• Neil Patrick Harris: “For ever, Dick Clark… So long.”
• Singer Michelle Williams: “Sad to hear about the passing of Dick Clark! His contribution to music and the platform he gave people will always be remembered.”
• Dane Cook: “Rest in peace Mr. Dick Clark. Thank you for new years and new years of class, positivity & entertainment.”
• Rosesanne Barr: “dick clark RIP-always a nice man to me-”
• Gloria Estefan: “Our sincerest condolences to Dick Clark’s wife, Kari, his family & all who loved & admired him which includes the whole Estefan clan!”
• Denis Leary: “Dick Clark dead. Okay so now I’m starting to get a little more concerned about all this 2012 Mayan s–t.”
• Harry Shum Jr.: “So sad to hear about Dick Clark’s passing. New Years Eve won’t be the same without him. An icon that will be missed.”
• Melissa Rivers: “Sorry to hear about the passing of Dick Clark, he was truly a revolutionary in our business.”
• Leah Remini: “R.I.P Dick Clark; As a child American Bandstand was a big part of my life as an adult-spent many a New Years Eve w, him like many others :(“