Dick Clark DiesRyan Seacrest is widely seen as the current generation’s Dick Clark, hosting a popular music series with American in the title among his multiple roles in radio and growing TV production company. So it was no surprise when Seacrest joined Clark’s annual Dick Clark New Year’s Rockin’ Eve show as host to replace Clark, who suffered a serious stroke in 2004. Seacrest was among the throng of industry names to weigh in on Clark’s passing today at age 82. Here’s Seacrest’s statement:

“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. I idolized him from the start, and I was graced early on in my career with his generous advice and counsel. When I joined his show in 2006, it was a dream come true to work with him every New Year’s Eve for the last six years. He was smart, charming, funny and always a true gentleman. I learned a great deal from him, and I’ll always be indebted to him for his faith and support of me. He was a remarkable host and businessman and left a rich legacy to television audiences around the world. We will all miss him.”

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Others also added their voices, including Robert Iger, Walt Disney Co. chairman/CEO>

For more than half a century, Dick Clark brought the best of American music to audiences across the country, creating careers and countless fans for artists on his iconic shows, American Bandstand and New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. We’re proud that ABC was home to those programs and will always be part of his legacy. On behalf of everyone at Disney and ABC, we send our sincere condolences to Dick’s family, as well as the three generations of fans who will miss him as much as we do.

Academy of Television Arts & Sciences COO Alan Perris:

“The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is deeply saddened by the loss of our good friend Mr. Dick Clark. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Dick was a television icon and music innovator who entertained audiences for decades and will truly be missed. Television shows like American Bandstand, American Music Awards and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve are brands that continue to pave the way live television and music are presented. Dick was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1992 and his impact on the television industry as well as everyone he met, moved and entertained will never be forgotten.”

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, whose city has hosted Clark’s New Year’s Eve show since 1972:

“Times Square is considered the crossroads of the world in no small part because Dick Clark’s New Years Eve celebrations there were beamed across the globe. I remember one New Years Eve, he and I stood in Times Square marveling about how much the area – and the City – had improved over the years. But Dick Clark never had to change – he was a great entertainer who stood the test of time. Generations of Americans grew up with Dick, and yet he seemed forever young. His spirit will always live on in Times Square, and in hearts of millions of New Yorkers.”

The music industry benefited as much as TV did thanks to Clark’s American Bandstand. From the Recording Industry Association of America:

“We have lost a true American icon, trailblazer and legend in Dick Clark. More music, over multiple generations of fans, has been brought into hearts, minds and homes than perhaps any other figure in history – including many of our most beloved artists in their very first television appearances, especially on the singular American Bandstand. It is one thing to champion music and simply change the landscape – it’s quite another thing to do so for more than 60 years. He was of course a brilliant businessman. From the American Music Awards, Rockin’ New Year’s Eve and Top 40 Countdown to television shows such as $100,000 Pyramid, he is simply part of the American fabric. But even more so, his trademark voice, style, passion for music and seemingly eternal youth will forever be part of our consciousness.”

Twitter has become the go-to place for Clark’s industry pals to send their condolences:

Anderson Cooper: What a career Dick Clark had! What a life! My thoughts are with his family and friends.

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

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

Micky Dolenz: RIP Dick Clark…He produced the first Monkees tour in 1967…A legend~