Yesterday, we reported that the talk show legend Larry King had passed away at the age of 87 due to complications from COVID-19. Now, King’s sons Larry Jr., Chance and Cannon have broken their silence to say that they are “heartbroken” over his passing.

“We are heartbroken over our father’s death, and together with our extended family mourn his passing. The world knew Larry King as a great broadcaster and interviewer, but to us he was ‘dad,'” they said, according to Entertainment Tonight. “He was the man who lovingly obsessed over our daily schedules and our well-being, and who took such immense pride in our accomplishments — large, small, or imagined. And, through it all, we knew without a doubt in the world that he loved us more than life itself. He was an amazing father, and he was fiercely loyal to those lucky enough to call him a friend. We will miss him every single day of our lives.”

“The outpouring of love and the remembrances of his remarkable career have touched us deeply and we are so thankful,” they concluded. “In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask consideration of a donation to the American Heart Association or the Beverly Hills Fire Department EMS, to which a debt of gratitude is owed for the wonderful care they provided to our dad in his final years. With deep appreciation.”

Last February, King talked to People Magazine about how grateful he felt to be alive after suffering a near-fatal stroke in May 2019.

“It’s been a rough year,” he said.  “And I don’t have any idea of what 2020 is going to be like. But I can still work and I can watch my kids grow up. I feel positive — and hopeful.”

King added at the time that he had no plans to slow down.