“The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” Star Tom Smothers Dead at 86

"Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner," his brother Dick Smothers shared in a statement

Tom Smothers, one half of the Smothers Brothers comedy duo, has died. He was 86.

The comedian died at his home on Tuesday following “a recent battle with cancer,” his brother and costar Dick Smothers announced in a press release from the National Comedy Center.

“Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner,” Dick shared. “I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years.”

He continued, “Our relationship was like a good marriage – the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected one another. We were truly blessed.”

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The National Comedy Center executive director Journey Gunderson also paid tribute to the late comedian, sharing, “Tom Smothers was not only an extraordinary comedic talent, who, together with his brother Dick, became the most enduring comedy duo in history, entertaining the world for over six decades – but was a true champion for freedom of speech, harnessing the power of comedy to push boundaries and our political consciousness.”

“Tom was a true pioneer who changed the face of television and transformed our culture with The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, which satirized politics, combated racism, protested the Vietnam War, and led the way for Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show, today’s network late night shows, and so much more,” he added.

“We were proud to bring Tom and Dick out of retirement and reunite them on stage in 2019 to celebrate their legendary careers, and we are honored to preserve Tom’s remarkable work and legacy here at the National Comedy Center for generations to come,” the statement concluded.

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The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour premiered on CBS in February 1967. The brothers showed off their musical and comedic chops on the one-hour variety series with Tom playing guitar and Dick performing with a stand-up bass. 

During the show’s two-year run, the pair also showed their support of civil rights and opposition to the Vietnam War.

"There was never premeditation for anything we ever did," Tom told CBS News in July. "We never did it to get attention. We just did it. And if it got attention, I said, 'I'll do it again. Maybe we'll get some more attention.'"

The variety show was ultimately canceled in April 1969 as CBS became increasingly concerned about the pair’s political takes. 

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The pair commemorated the 50th anniversary of their firing in 2019 with appearances at the National Comedy Center and Chautauqua Institution.

“It’s really an honor to be honored in this way,” Tom told The Associated Press at the time. “At least we’re both alive and not having someone speak for us. We can mumble our own way through.”

The brothers also looked back at the controversy and being not be allowed to use certain phrases on camera including “sex education.”

“Don’t tell a comedian not to say a certain word. For sure they’ll do it,” Dick said. “The funny thing is, I look back at those things. They’re so benign, but at the time they were volatile.”

George Schlatter, Smothers' longtime friend who was a producer on NBC's Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In around the same time the brothers' show was airing on CBS, tells PEOPLE: "I loved Tommy. Tommy and I were great friends. Tommy took the rap for a lot of what I did. See, we've gotta find room for the rebels. We've gotta find room for the people for whom there is no room. And Tommy's one and now, he will be terribly missed by all."

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Smothers is survived by his children Bo and Riley Rose Smothers, grandson Phoenix, Marcy Carriker Smothers, sister-in-law Marie Smothers, and several nephews and a niece. He is predeceased by his son Tom and sister Sherry Smothers.

A private memorial service for family and friends is planned for 2024. Dick and his wife, Marie, have requested memorial donations be made to the National Comedy Center.

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