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Reactions to Dick Clark's death

Dick Clark's family statement:

"Entertainment Icon Dick Clark passed away this morning (Wednesday) at the age of 82 following a massive heart attack it was announced by his family. Clark, 82, had entered St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica last night for an outpatient procedure. Attempts to resuscitate were unsuccessful."

Ryan Seacrest:

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend Dick Clark. He has truly been one of the greatest influences in my life. I idolized him from the start, and I was graced early on in my career with his generous advice and counsel.

"When I joined his show in 2006, it was a dream come true to work with him every New Year's Eve for the last six years.

"He was smart, charming, funny and always a true gentleman. I learned a great deal from him, and I'll always be indebted to him for his faith and support of me.

"He was a remarkable host and businessman and left a rich legacy to television audiences around the world. We will all miss him."

Jerry Blavat: 

"I have to say, Dick won me over. He told me, 'I want people who will be as loyal to me as you were to Bob.' I was his friend from then on. He became the good-looking American guy who made rock and roll respectable, who transformed people's attitude to the music. If it weren't for Dick Clark, a whole generation of people would never have gotten the opportunity they did."

He also credits Clark with business acumen, with savvy handling of music publishing, performers, and publicity: "He was a host and an emcee, but more important than that, he was one of the smartest businessmen I have ever met in my life. He knew business, man. The name of the business is 'show business,' and he understood that word."

Bobby Rydell:

"Ask him for anything, and he'd be there at the drop of a hat. I've been his friend since I first played on Bandstand, in the summer of 1959. A lot of the guys who came from South Philly – Frankie Avalon, James Darrin, Chubby Checker, myself – he meant a lot to us all.  God bless him."

Singer Freddy Cannon

"This guy was the best. He helped me from the very bottom of my career all through the '80s and the '90s, and he's going to be missed a lot."

Jimmy Kimmel ‏ @jimmykimmel

I had the pleasure of working with Dick Clark many times - great guy.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg ‏ @MikeBloomberg

Dick Clark's spirit will always live on in Times Square & the hearts of millions of New Yorkers.

Keith Olbermann ‏ @KeithOlbermann

RIP. Great businessman too.

Reverend Al Sharpton ‏ @TheRevAl

Dick Clark, dies at 82 years old. May he rest in peace.

Fergie @Fergie

Dick Clark will be truly missed. We will carry on his legacy every New Year's Eve. http://pic.twitter.com/qbi9ub5C

Gloria Estefan ‏ @GloriaEstefan

Dick Clark was very kind & thoughtful & we will hold mementos like these very dear... http://pic.twitter.com/Kek1Lbdj

Wendy Williams ‏ @WendyWilliams

Rest in Peace Dick Clark. You will be missed.

Marie Osmond ‏ @marieosmond

In 1974, my first time on BandStand, I thought Dick Clark was the most handsome man in show business.

Melissa Rivers ‏ @MelRivers

Sorry to hear about the passing of Dick Clark, he was truly a revolutionary in our business.