BREAKING: Daytime TV legend Jerry Springer dead at 79

Springer had been battling cancer for several months and his health deteriorated further this week.

“Jerry’s ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he tried whether that was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a photo or a word,” said Jene Galvin, a lifelong friend, to USA Today. “He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on.”

Springer gained fame as the host of daytime TV show "The Jerry Springer Show." The show, which featured daytime brawls, paternity tests, and scandalous content, paved the way for numerous other programs that showcased the worst aspects of American society. Initially launched in 1991, The Jerry Springer Show started as a typical talk show centered around social issues and US politics, hosted by Springer, who was known for his mild demeanor at the time.

However, after a few years, in an attempt to increase viewership, Springer drastically changed the show's format and began focusing on scandalous and sensational content. While Springer tried to act as a mediator, many of the show's episodes ended up featuring physical altercations, with guests being restrained by security personnel.

By the late 1990s, The Jerry Springer Show had become one of the most popular daytime television programs in the United States, surpassing even The Oprah Winfrey Show in ratings. The show eventually came to an end in 2018.

Prior to his successful TV career, Springer was involved in politics, having served on Cincinnati's City Council in 1971 and later being elected as the city's mayor in 1977. He held the position for one term before transitioning into a news anchor and commentator role at WLWT in Ohio. Springer marched in an anti-war protest against the US incursion into Iraq in the spring of 2003.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.