CBS Sports anchor and commentator Greg Gumbel has died of cancer. He was 78.

His family confirmed his death in a statement to CBS News.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel. “He passed away peacefully and surrounded by love after a courageous battle with cancer,” said a statement from his wife Marcy and daughter Michelle. “Greg approached his illness the way you would expect him to: with stoicism, grace and positivity. He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication from over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcasting industry. and his iconic voice will never be forgotten. Greg’s memory will forever be remembered by his family, his dearest friends, colleagues and all who loved him.”

The Louisiana-born Loras College graduate first became involved in sports broadcasting in the 1970s when his brother Bryant told him about a gig that had opened at the NBC O&O station in Chicago. He ended up working there for seven years.

He then worked for ESPN, where he was an anchor Sports center and directed play-by-play for NBA games. He later covered Yankee games for MSG and became host of the first radio morning show on WFAN radio in New York City.

He joined CBS in 1988 as a part-time NFL announcer before adding college basketball and The NFL Today to his duties. He later helped CBS cover MLB, college football, the NCAA Tournament, the Daytona 500 and the Pepsi 400, among other events.

He left CBS Sports in 1994 to serve as sports anchor for NBC Sports before returning to The Eye four years later.

In 2022 he celebrated his 50th broadcasting anniversary.

“The CBS Sports family is devastated by the passing of Greg Gumbel. There has never been a better gentleman on television. He was loved and respected by those of us who had the honor of calling him a friend and colleague,” David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, said in a statement. “A great broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sportswriting careers of all time. He was a familiar and welcoming voice for fans in many sports, including the NFL and March Madness, highlighted by the Super Bowl and Final Four.”

“Greg broke barriers and set the standard for others to follow. It is an extremely sad day for all of us at CBS Sports and the entire sports community,” he continued. “We will miss Greg greatly and extend our deepest condolences to his wife Marcy, his daughter Michelle and his entire family.”