Jerry Springer, longtime talk show host, has died at age 79

WASHINGTON (TND) — Jerry Springer -- a controversial talk show host who also briefly served as the 56th mayor of Cincinnati -- has died.

He was 79 years old.

A family spokesperson on Thursday said Springer was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago and died at his home in the Chicago area.

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 since 1970, said in a statement. “He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on.”

Springer, a former lawyer, hosted "The Jerry Springer Show" for nearly 30 years. The show kicked off in 1991 and was known for its off-the-wall topics and chair-throwing fights, with the audience often chanting, "Jerry, Jerry, Jerry."

He later hosted the "Jerry Springer Podcast" and the courtroom show "Judge Jerry," as well as "America's Got Talent."

Springer also had a stint in politics. He was a political campaign adviser to Robert F. Kennedy and went on to become a councilman in Cincinnati and before serving as mayor from 1977 to 1978.

On his Twitter profile, Springer jokingly declared himself as “Talk show host, ringmaster of civilization’s end.” He also often had told people, tongue in cheek, that his wish for them was “may you never be on my show.”

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EDITOR'S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.