Longtime talk show host of The McLaughlin Group, John McLaughlin, died on Tuesday morning. He was 89.
The news was confirmed in an announcement on Facebook from the show's staff.
A message from the McLaughlin Group said, "Earlier this morning, a beloved friend and mentor, Dr. John McLaughlin, passed away peacefully at the age of 89. As a former jesuit priest, teacher, pundit and news host, John touched many lives. For 34 years, The McLaughlin Group informed millions of Americans. Now he has said bye bye for the last time, to rejoin his beloved dog, Oliver, in heaven. He will always be remembered."
The post also said that information regarding memorial services would be made available to the public in the coming days.
McLaughlin was born in Rhode Island in 1927. As an adult he joined but left the priesthood in 1975 to get into politics. He first appeared on the political roundtable McLaughlin Group show in 1982, missing his very first appearance recently.
As the Washington Times noted, this occurred for the first time ever just last week and it was revealed that the reason was a health issue.
“As the panel’s recent absences attest, I am under the weather,” a message from McLaughlin during the intro. of the program read. “The final issue of this episode has my voice, but please forgive me for its weaker than usual quality. Yet my spirit is strong and my dedication to this show remains absolute!”