“Family Feud” host Richard Dawson has passed away from complications related to esophageal cancer at the Ronald Reagan Memorial Hospital in Los Angeles, California on Saturday night (June 2). Richard was 79 years old.

The legendary host’s son, Gary Dawson, confirmed the sad news via a statement posted on Facebook:

“It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that my father passed away this evening from complications due to esophageal cancer. He was surrounded by his family. He was an amazing talent, a loving husband, a great dad, and a doting grandfather. He will be missed but always remembered…”

“The Kissing Bandit,” as he was best known for kissing all his female contestants, won a daytime Emmy Awards for Best Game Host back in 1978. He hosted “Family Feud” from 1976 to 1985. Dawson was also well known for playing Captain Peter Newkirk on “Hogan’s Heroes.”

R.I.P. Richard Dawson.