Jerry Springer, the legendary talk show host, died, according to a statement from his family.

He was 79.

WLWT was the first to report the news.

Springer, the former Cincinnati mayor, died peacefully Thursday at his home in suburban Chicago, according to his family.

TMZ reports Springer had been diagnosed with cancer a months ago, and this week he took a turn for the worse.

“Jerry’s ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he tried whether that was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a photo or a word,” Jene Galvin, a lifelong friend and spokesman for the family, told WLWT. “He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on.”

Springer for hosted the hit syndicated talk show “The Jerry Springer Show” for 27 years. The show was highlighted by outrageous guests, crazy fights and the audience cheering, “Jerry, Jerry, Jerry!”

His last TV appearance came last season on “The Masked Singer.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim.