Regis Philbin Dies at 88: Hoda Kotb, Jimmy Kimmel and More Honor the Beloved TV Host
Celebrities and fans are paying tribute to Regis Philbin after his death at 88.
The longtime television host died on July 24. "We are deeply saddened to share that our beloved Regis Philbin passed away last night of natural causes, one month shy of his 89th birthday," his family shared with PEOPLE in an exclusive statement on Saturday.
"His family and friends are forever grateful for the time we got to spend with him – for his warmth, his legendary sense of humor, and his singular ability to make every day into something worth talking about. We thank his fans and admirers for their incredible support over his 60-year career and ask for privacy as we mourn his loss," the Philbin family said.
RELATED: Kelly Ripa Pays Tribute to Regis Philbin After His Death: 'He Was the Ultimate Class Act'
Fair winds and following seas, Mr. Philbin.
We have the watch, Shipmate! @Regis Philbin (LTJG) served honorably in the U.S. Navy as a 310X-Supply Corps Officer, 1953 - 1955 pic.twitter.com/DLiH2hK9av— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) July 25, 2020
A post shared by Adam Sandler (@adamsandler) on Jul 25, 2020 at 3:55pm PDT
A post shared by Carson Daly (@carsondaly) on Jul 25, 2020 at 3:33pm PDT
A post shared by Alec Baldwin (@alecbaldwininsta) on Jul 25, 2020 at 3:15pm PDT
A post shared by Bob (@bobsaget) on Jul 25, 2020 at 2:10pm PDT
he was a lovely man #RIPRegisPhilbin https://t.co/QtzYF7RuMr
— ROSIE (@Rosie) July 25, 2020
There’s Regis. Then there’s the rest of us. He was the gold standard. #ripregis
A post shared by Tom Bergeron (@tombergeron) on Jul 25, 2020 at 1:36pm PDT
I absolutely LOVED Regis Philbin. I knew him to always be interested in everything, current, happy, funny, generous and sweet. As wonderful a man as he was talented. And, as this photos proves, he was up for anything! I will never forget him and miss him very much. RIP Regis ❤️ pic.twitter.com/U2TWkStgv0
— Pee-wee Herman (@peeweeherman) July 25, 2020
A post shared by Ellen DeGeneres (@theellenshow) on Jul 25, 2020 at 1:47pm PDT
RELATED: Regis Philbin, Legendary Television Host, Dies at 88
We are heartbroken to hear that a long time colleague & friend, #regisphilbin passed away at the age of 88. Regis graced us with warmth, humor & a self-deprecating wit, always bringing happiness to us all. Our hearts go out to Joy and to his family. Rest In Peace, Regis.
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) July 25, 2020
Regis Philbin brought humor, warmth and wit into so many homes. Many people who never met him feel as though they’ve lost a personal friend and that’s a testament to his character. He will be missed.
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) July 25, 2020
In loving tribute to Philbin, numerous celebrities who had known and worked with him over the years went on to mourn the television legend's death.
"Heartbroken," wrote Today's Hoda Kotb, who shared her tribute alongside a photo of Kathie Lee Gifford, whom they both worked alongside for many years. "We will miss you regis. Nobody like you 💔."
Richard Cartwright/ABC via Getty Images
"Regis was a great broadcaster, a good friend and a tremendous amount of fun. He leaves behind a beautiful family and a TV legacy that will likely go unmatched," late night television host Jimmy Kimmel wrote. "Regis, I hope our friend [Don] Rickles met you at the pearly gates with open arms and a slew of the insults you loved so much."
Heartbroken. We will miss you regis. Nobody like you 💔
A post shared by Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb) on Jul 25, 2020 at 12:32pm PDT
Regis was a great broadcaster, a good friend and a tremendous amount of fun. He leaves behind a beautiful family and a TV legacy that will likely go unmatched. Regis, I hope our friend Rickles met you at the pearly gates with open arms and a slew of the insults you loved so much
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) July 25, 2020
Saddened to hear about the passing of Regis Philbin. Condolences to his wife Joy. 😞
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) July 25, 2020
A post shared by Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi (@snooki) on Jul 25, 2020 at 12:33pm PDT
In her own tribute, Jersey Shore star Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi reflected on a special moment she was able to share with Philbin before he left Live! in 2011.
"NO! So sad to hear that iconic Regis passed away. He was always the kindest & sweetest soul when I had interviews with him. Never judged, just always had a fun time with us," she wrote, alongside a photograph of the pair embracing. "Before he retired, i got him to take his shirt off and fist pump in my last interview with him 😩 Rest In Peace Regis! You will truly be missed!"
RELATED: Remembering Regis Philbin's Life and Career in Photos
"This one hurts. A staple in our household growing up, his joy was infectious and his hosting skills among the greatest I’ve ever seen. Whether on 'Live' or leading 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire' he was always captivating & hilarious. #RIPRegis," actor Josh Gad tweeted.
A post shared by Katie Couric (@katiecouric) on Jul 25, 2020 at 12:43pm PDT
We are sad to learn about the passing of TV icon and fellow New Yorker, Regis Philbin. RIP pic.twitter.com/SIpYDgzPMc
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 25, 2020
The end of an era. A great friend and mentor. I will never forget your generosity of spirit sweet Regis.
You changed my life and I will never forget the lessons you taught me. You showed me how to fly.
May you Rest In Peace with the angels.#RIP #RegisPhilbin pic.twitter.com/rVOKVAF42v— lisa rinna (@lisarinna) July 25, 2020
One of the greats in the history of television, Regis Philbin has passed on to even greater airwaves, at 88. He was a fantastic person, and my friend. He kept telling me to run for President. Holds the record for “most live television”, and he did it well. Regis, we love you....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 25, 2020
In 1988, Philbin began his iconic career as the host of Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee alongside Gifford. After 15 years, Gifford left the ABC show but the pair remained close after her departure.
In 2001, the franchise became Live! with Regis and Kelly, co-starring Kelly Ripa before he left in 2011 after 23 years on-air. (He was replaced by former football player Michael Strahan, who later departed for Good Morning America and was replaced by Ryan Seacrest in 2017.)
