MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

What happened to Larry King? The tragedy of medical emergencies and COVID-19 complications before death at 87

King, who has type 2 diabetes, has faced a series of medical issues over the years, including several heart attacks and quintuple bypass surgery in 1987

Legendary TV personality and a former CNN host, Larry King died in Los Angeles after being hospitalized, as informed by a source close to the family. An official statement posted to King’s Twitter account said he had passed away at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

“With profound sadness, Ora Media announces the death of our co-founder, host and friend Larry King, who passed away this morning aged 87 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles,” the statement read. “For 63 years and across the platforms of radio, television and digital media, Larry’s many thousands of interviews, awards and global acclaim stand as a testament to his unique and lasting talent as a broadcaster.” 

Soon after the news was announced, social media was buzzing with tributes for the legendary anchor.

What happened to Larry King?

A source earlier revealed that King had been hospitalized at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles for more than a week, as reported by CNN. The 87-year-old renowned TV and radio host was suffering from Covid-19, reports CNN. King, who has type 2 diabetes, has faced a series of medical issues over the years, including several heart attacks and quintuple bypass surgery in 1987. According to the sources, his three sons have not been able to meet him due to the strict Covid-19 protocols.

Speaking of his medical history, King was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017 but went under a successful surgery. Then in 2019, he also underwent a procedure to address angina. The Emmy award-winning personality also runs a Larry King Cardiac Foundation, a non-profit aimed at helping those without health insurance afford medical care.

‘Luckily, Larry King is immortal’ 

The moment the news of King getting hospitalized hit the Internet, a lot of social media users stormed Twitter to speak about the same. One user posted, “If Larry King can beat the 1918 flu, he can beat this too.” Another individual expressed, “I met Larry King once at the airport in Bozeman, Montana, of all places. Hope he has a speedy recovery.” One added, “I stg if covid takes Larry King, bro. He's the most woke old man I've ever listened too and I love it.”

One person tweeted, “Luckily, larry king is immortal.” Another added, “Geez, now Larry King has COVID. That sucks.  I hope he gets better soon.” One user shared, “Larry King is in the hospital for COVID. I love that guy. I hope he is alright. He had the nerve to ask questions that other people might shy away from. You could feel Larry cared about us all. I wish him the best. You too?”

Larry King: Early Life

The anchor's life was nothing short of a legend. King started his career as a local Florida journalist and radio interviewer in the 1950s and 1960s and rose to fame in 1978 as host of ‘The Larry King Show,’ an all-night nationwide call-in radio program heard on the Mutual Broadcasting System.

He hosted the nightly interview television program ‘Larry King Live’ on CNN from 1985 to 2010. From interviewing presidential candidates to top celebrities, athletes and even commoners with inspiring stories, he did it all. He retired in 2010 after filming more than 6,000 episodes of the show. In 2012, he became the host of ‘Larry King Now,’ a thrice-weekly show on Ora TV, an on-demand digital network he co-founded with Mexican telecommunications mogul Carlos Slim.

Last year, two of King's children died within weeks of each other. His son, 65-year-old Andy King, died of a heart attack in late July, followed by King's 52-year-old daughter Chaia King, who died in August shortly after being diagnosed with lung cancer. 

After the news was announced, no cause of death was provided immediately, but it came weeks after the 87-year-old host battled the deadly coronavirus.