TV personality and former Cincinnati Mayor, Jerry Springer, has passed away at the age of 79.

Springer died at his home in Chicago after a short battle with pancreatic cancer, according to TMZ. Sources say he was diagnosed a few months ago, and this week he took a turn for the worse.

“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,” family friend and spokesman Jene Galvin said in a statement to PEOPLE. “He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart, and humor will live on.”

Before becoming a Television Host, Jerry Springer studied political science at Tulane University and went on to receive a law degree from Northwestern. He then served on Cincinnati’s City Council in 1971 and became the city’s mayor in 1977, serving one term.

In 1982, Springer tried for the Democratic nomination for Ohio governor and lost. After that, he became a news anchor at WLWT in Cincinnati.

Soon afterward, he began “The Jerry Springer Show” which ran from 1991-2018. The show was mostly known for its profanity-prone guests who often had to be restrained by on-set security guards as audience members wildly cheered, “Jerry, Jerry, Jerry!”

“The Jerry Springer Show”

Most recently,  he inked a deal with NBC in 2018 for a new show, “Judge Jerry,” that featured him as a judge in a courtroom. He also hosted a podcast.

In their statement, Springer’s family asked supporters to consider making a charitable donation or doing an act of kindness for someone in need to honor his memory.

“As he always said, ‘Take care of yourself, and each other,’” they wrote.

Springer is survived by his daughter, Katie Springer.

Rest In Peace, Jerry Springer! We appreciate the entertainment you brought to our televisions over the years.