TV icon Jerry Springer, known for his eponymous tabloid talk show that was one of TV’s wildest hits, died on Thursday at the age of 79.
His last social media post, shared online just weeks before his passing, shows one of the last photos of Springer and a heartbreaking promise.
“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 family spokesperson and friend of Springer’s, said in a statement, per AP. “He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on.”
Just weeks before he died, Springer shared a final social media post while attending the Rough Riders St. Patrick’s Parade in Tampa, Florida.
In the post, Springer says he had a “great time” and added: “I’ll be back.”
It’s bittersweet to see a photo like this, taken just six weeks before his death — Springer was in such good spirits and seemed to think he would survive to see another parade next year.
As the last personal post Springer made on social media, many fans used the photo to express their condolences.
“Thank you for decades of entertainment,” one user wrote.
“He basically raised me on sick days and days I didn’t feel like going to school,” another said.
Jerry Springer was one of TV’s most wild and controversial shows, featuring oddball guests and dysfunctional families and covering sensationalized topics like infidelity and unusual fetishes.
But while the show was derided by critics as “trash TV” — TV Guide once ranked it as the worst show of all time — it was a favorite for many audiences, and it’s clear many people have nostalgia for the show.
The Jerry Springer Show Instagram shared a tribute to the late host with Springer’s famous sign-off catchphrase: “Take care of yourself and each other.”
Jerry Springer cause of death
A family spokesperson for the family said Springer died peacefully at home after a “brief illness,” and TMZ reported that it was from pancreatic cancer. He was 79.
According to Jene Galvin, a close friend and spokesperson for the family, NBC News has reported that the cause of Springer’s death was pancreatic cancer.
People Magazine reports that Rabbi Sandford Kopnick of The Valley Temple in Cincinnati said that Springer’s illness came on suddenly and that he passed away from cancer, which he had not been diagnosed with for an extended period of time.
Rest in peace, Jerry Springer — a true TV icon like no other.
Please share this story in memory of Jerry Springer, and remember to “take care of yourself and each other” ❤️
READ MORE:
- Jerry Springer, longtime host of TV’s wildest talk show, dead at 79 — rest in peace
- Tucker Carlson finally breaks silence 3 days after shock dismissal – tells his truth
- “Dancing with the Stars” judge Len Goodman predicted his own death 4 months before he passed
- James Corden throws surprise wedding for couple who met on ‘Late Late Show’ segment
