Oprah Winfrey, Céline Dion and more pay tribute to legendary talk show host Larry King

Fans and friends of journalist Larry King are mourning his death after the broadcasting legend died on Saturday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 87.

In a statement posted to King’s official Twitter account, his media company, Ora Media, confirmed King’s passing. “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,” the statement read.

“Ora Media sends our condolences to his surviving children, Larry Jr., Chance, Canon and the entire King family.” A cause of death was not revealed. 

The news comes weeks after King had recently been hospitalized with COVID-19. He also faced health problems for many years, including a near-fatal stroke in 2019, and he was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017.

Oprah Winfrey was among those who paid tribute to King. She wrote, “It was always a treat to sit at your table. And hear your stories. Thank you Larry King.”

Céline Dion called King “a kind gentleman” and said that he always made celebrities feel like they “were speaking with a lifelong friend.” She tweeted, “I’m sad to learn about Larry King’s passing. He was such a kind gentleman, and he made all of us feel as though we were speaking with a lifelong friend. There will never be anyone like him, and he will be missed by many. My sincerest condolences to his family & friends. Celine xx…”

Ryan Seacrest called King “a dear friend and mentor.” “I lost a dear friend and mentor,” Seacrest tweeted Saturday. “Truly an American treasure. Rest in peace, Larry King.”

Bill Clinton said that he enjoyed his “20 + interviews” with King. “I enjoyed my 20+ interviews with Larry King over the years. He had a great sense of humor and a genuine interest in people. He gave a direct line to the American people and worked hard to get the truth for them, with questions that were direct but fair. Farewell, my friend.”

"R.i.P To the legend Larry King God bless him," rapper 50 Cent tweeted.

“RIP Larry King!!!! I loved the easy breezy format of his CNN show, and his amazing voice,” Andy Cohen wrote.

Chelsea Handler shared a sweet moment about King calling her when her dog passed away. “Larry King called me when my dog Chunk died to see if I was doing okay, and to tell me how important dogs are in our lives. That really moved me, and I will miss his kindness and presence,” she tweeted.

Director Kevin Smith posted a photo of himself with King, calling him a “radio/TV/digital news legend.” He tweeted, “RIP to radio/TV/digital news legend @kingsthings. It was an honor to watch you do your thing, both on @CNN and in person. My Dad always asked me “Did you see who Larry King talked to last night?” Would’ve blown his mind to know that, one day, it would be his son. Thanks for that.”

Many more celebrities and journalists took to social media to share their condolences once news of his passing spread.

King's sons, Cannon King, Chance King, and Larry King Jr., issued a joint statement in regards to their father's passing. “We are heartbroken over our father’s death, and together with our extended family mourn his passing,” they wrote. "The world knew Larry King as a great broadcaster and interviwer, but to us he was 'dad.'"

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