Jerry Springer, the longtime talk show host, died Thursday at his home in suburban Chicago at age 79.

“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 lifelong friend and spokesperson for the family, said in a statement obtained by ABC News.

“He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on,” Galvin continued.