Chuck Woolery, the longtime television personality and the original host of Wheel of Fortune, has died at the age of 83.

The sad news was confirmed by his close friend and podcast co-host, Mark Young, who spoke to TMZ. According to Young, Woolery began feeling ill while the two were together at Woolery’s home in Texas. After deciding to lie down and rest, Woolery later returned appearing short of breath. Emergency responders were called, but tragically, he passed away before they arrived.

Born on March 16, 1941, in Ashland, Kentucky, Woolery became a household name thanks to his charm and charisma on screen. In addition to Wheel of Fortune, he hosted a number of other game shows, including Love Connection, Scrabble, and Lingo, earning a place in American pop culture history.

Before becoming a television staple, Woolery began his career in music. In the 1960s, he was part of the pop duo The Avant-Garde, best known for their 1968 hit “Naturally Stoned.” He later ventured into a solo career, releasing several country singles.

Chuck Woolery’s legacy spans decades in entertainment, leaving behind a lasting impact on generations of viewers.