Image Credit: Bob D’Amico

The man who hosts every show in America has paid tribute to the host Americans grew up watching.

Ryan Seacrest has released a statement on the passing of legendary personality Dick Clark, who died today after suffering a heart attack at age 82. Seacrest took over the heavy lifting on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in 2006 and the show was renamed in 2009 to reflect Seacrest’s bigger role.

Seacrest’s full statement is below:

“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. I idolized him from the start, and I was graced early on in my career with his generous advice and counsel. When I joined his show in 2006, it was a dream come true to work with him every New Year’s Eve for the last 6 years. He was smart, charming, funny and always a true gentleman. I learned a great deal from him, and I’ll always be indebted to him for his faith and support of me. He was a remarkable host and businessman and left a rich legacy to television audiences around the world. We will all miss him.”

Read more:
Dick Clark dies at 82
Celebrities tweet tributes to the late Dick Clark