Merv Griffin Has Died

"The Insider" has confirmed that MERV GRIFFIN passed away early Sunday morning at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. The legendary entertainer slipped away at 3 a.m. His son TONY was by his side. He was 82 years old.

It was reported earlier this week that the prognosis for Merv -- who was being treated for a second bout of prostate cancer -- wasn't looking good, but his reps wouldn't confirm or deny.

Merv was the creator and producer of the popular game shows "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune." "Wheel of Fortune" host PAT SAJAK tells "The Insider," "The loss of a dear friend has made it difficult to focus on Merv's enormous contribution to the world of entertainment. That will come in time; for now, like his family and so many of his close friends, I'm dealing with deep sadness and the realization that I will never hear that wonderful laugh of his again. He meant so much to my life, and it's hard to imagine it without him."

CBS Enterprises and King World Productions CEO ROGER KING says, "Merv Griffin was the greatest producer we ever dealt with. He gave us a chance with 'Wheel of Fortune' and 'Jeopardy.' The history shows he was right. I will miss him dearly." 

Longtime friend NANCY REAGAN said, "This is heartbreaking, not just for those of us who loved Merv personally, but for everyone around the world who has known Merv through his music, his television shows and his business.  Ronnie and I knew Merv for more years than I can even remember -- more than 50, I'm sure.  He was a dear, dear friend and we became even closer in the last 15 years.  He was there for me on some of the hardest days when Ronnie was fighting Alzheimer's and he was there for me every day after Ronnie died.  Merv meant the world to me.  I will miss him -- and his brilliant smile, his wonderful voice, and the twinkle in his eyes -- every day for the rest of my life. My love and prayers are with Tony and the entire family."

Despite his illness, the ever-upbeat "Jeopardy!" creator had planned on hosting the 53rd annual gala on October 19th for the Young Musicians Foundation at the Beverly Hilton, which he had done for the past four years. 

"I'd rather play 'Jeopardy!' than live it," he said in a statement at the time of his hospitalization. "I was ready for a vacation; however this wasn't the destination I had in mind."

At that time Merv asked for his well-wishers, in lieu of sending him flowers, to donate to the Young Musicians Foundation, which he chairs.

In addition to being a game show impresario, he was also a former singer and band leader, and served as host of his own TV talk show, which ran from 1962-1986. In 2005, the veteran entertainer was honored at the Daytime Emmys with a Lifetime Achievement Award.