He was 79 years old.

Reports indicate that Jerry Springer, one of the most controversial talk show hosts and figures in television, has died. He was 79 years old.

A Springer family spokesperson says he was battling a "brief illness," according to TMZ. He died Thursday morning at his home in Chicago.

Premiering in 1991, The Jerry Springer Show became a worldwide hit that basked in being controversial. The show ended in 2018.

His last TV appearance was on The Masked Singer last season, where he performed as "The Beetle."

He's survived by his daughter Katie Springer and his older sister Evelyn.

*This is an ongoing story and will be updated as we learn more. Stay with OurCommunityNow.com for the latest!