Celebrities, President Pay Tribute to Dick Clark

Musicians, media titans and Hollywood stars react to Dick Clark's death; Ryan Seacrest honors Clark on "Idol"

Celebrities from the world of music, media and politics took to Twitter in droves to pay tribute to Dick Clark, who died Wednesday of a heart attack at age 82.

"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," tweeted Ryan Seacrest. "My thoughts and prayers are with his family."

The "American Idol" host had worked closely with Clark on "New Year's Rockin' Eve." Seacrest told The Los Angeles Times after his death that he had "idolized him from the start" and was "graced early on in my career with his generous advice and counsel."

Later Wednesday, Seacrest honored Clark on "Idol" by saying, "without Dick, a show like this would not exist."

"I know this guy – he's in a better place, saying, 'Hey, let's get on with the show, okay?' " Seacrest said. "You got it, boss."

As the longtime host of "American Bandstand," Clark helped introduce the world to stars ranging from Buddy Holly to Michael Jackson and Madonna, The Associated Press reported.

Madonna led her website Wednesday with a video clip of her 1984 appearance on his show where she talked about wanting to "rule the world."

News of Clark's death also prompted a reaction from the White House. President Barack Obama said in a statement that he and first lady Michelle Obama were "saddened to hear about the passing of Dick Clark."

"With 'American Bandstand,' he introduced decades' worth of viewers to the music of our times," Obama said. "He reshaped the television landscape forever as a creative and innovative producer. And, of course, for 40 years, we welcomed him into our homes to ring in the New Year."

"But more important than his groundbreaking achievements was the way he made us feel — as young and vibrant and optimistic as he was. As we say a final 'so long' to Dick Clark, America's oldest teenager, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends — which number far more than he knew,"

Here’s what other musicians and media stars said about the passing of the broadcasting legend:

First Don Cornelius, now Dick Clark. Two true broadcasting pioneers and giants, both gone.” --Al Roker

REST IN PEACE to the DICK CLARK!! U were pioneer n a good man!! Thank u sir –Snoop Dogg

Dick Clark was a great guy and one of the first people to play my records. He will be missed. -- Tony Bennett

Rest in Peace my good friend Dick Clark. A pioneer who's mark on American culture will be felt forever. -- Quincy Jones

Dick Clark was such an institution and inspiration. Not ashamed to say I loved American bandstand when I was a kid! -- Katie Couric

Dick Clark was a great friend, true legend, & a master journalist. Nobody did what he did better. It was a pleasure to be in his company. – Larry King

I will always cherish the personal time we had together. I am indebted to Dick Clark and his legacy. My heart goes out to his family. -- Carson Daly

RIP Dick Clark! The broadcasting legend will remain a teenager in our memory forever. #Bandstand --Andy Cohen

Dick Clark was a Rock 'n' Roll Radio/TV icon with an influence on pop culture for more than 50 years. Rest in peace. –ISAAC from Hanson

R.I.P. old friend! --Perez Hilton

Dick Clark was eternally young. No matter what culturally phenomenon was happening, he always embraced it. RIP... –Russell Simmons

Am still amazed that Dick Clark was only 82... What a career; Of course, he looked 49 for 25 years --NBC's Chuck Todd

Very sad to hear about Dick Clark. What a great life. What a great career. Relevant until the end. He will be missed! --Joan Rivers

Dick Clark changed the face of musical television. He was wonderful to many artists including our family. We will miss him. God bless. -- Janet Jackson

Dick Clark always came to our dressing pre-show to make sure we were okay and catered for. Big hearted. One-of-a-kind. Will be missed... -- Jermaine Jackson

Okay people we just lost dick clark. He gave me one of my first jobs in hollywood. I will always be grateful. Gonna miss you brother Clark --Sinbad

R.I.P Dick Clark http://instagr.am/p/JkwB6wL2hy/ --Big Boi

R. I. P. Dick Clark. Thoughts and prayers with the Clark Family. –Billy Ray Cyrus

Very saddened by the loss of a true legend... Mr Dick Clark. #ripDC --Donnie Wahlberg

Back in the 1960's the pop culture catch-phrase was "Never trust anyone over 30". Dick Clark was trustworthy all the way home. Rock on Sir!" -- Ann Wilson, Heart

Very sad to hear Mr. Dick Clark passed away. I had the pleasure of meeting him. What a huge loss. #tvlegend. Prayers to his loved ones. – Scott Baio

So saddened by Dick Clark's passing- an innovator, a legend, a man who believed in the greatness of humans. #ThankYou -- Seth Green

I'm told Dick Clark used to tape TEN episodes of Pyramid in a day. Game show warrior. – Ken Jennings

Such sad news. RIP Dick Clark. http://twitpic.com/9bd5uf --Weird Al Yankovic

Dick Clark. A Great Philadelphian. Thank You Very Much! --Questlove

Farewell to one of my all time idols Dick Clark- genius pioneer in music/television and just a great guy! You will be missed! – Lance Bass

Rest in peace Mr. Dick Clark. Thank you for new years and new years of class, positivity & entertainment. – Dane Cook

Clark’s death also prompted these outpourings of tributes from Hollywood to Washington:

RIP dick Clark. You were amazing to work with. U will be missed. Xxxoo --Jenny McCarthy

R.I.P. Dick Clark. New Years Eve will never be the same. --David Boreanaz

For ever, Dick Clark... So long. --Neil Patrick Harris

My heart goes out to Dick Clark's family and loved ones.... we lost a legend.. #RIPDickClark --Denise Richards

RIP Dick Clark - thanks for the many years of entertainment –John McCain

#RIP Dick Clark. Always so nice Employed me many times. I will miss you Dick. Prayers to Kari and the family #Legend --Holly Robinson Peete

Dick Clark represents the passing of an era. Before American Idol, MTV, there was Clark. We lost Clark and Cornelius in the same year. --Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson

Today, we mourn the passing of Dick Clark, an American icon and a true New Yorker who was born in Mount Vernon, graduated from Syracuse University, and began his legendary career in Utica. Dick Clark became a household name as host of the iconic show American Bandstand, and for more than three decades the world joined him to usher in the New Year from New York City’s Times Square. We will remember his energy, youthful spirit, and passion for his work. --New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo
 

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