When Jerry Springer retired from TV, he made a heartbreaking vow to "enjoy life".
The legendary tabloid talk show host said he "wants to try out retirement while I'm still healthy".
Sadly, just a year later, it's been announced that Jerry has tragically passed away at the age of 79.
The American broadcaster, who was born Gerald Norman Springer in Highgate tube station in London, found worldwide fame as the host of the self-titled Jerry Springer show.
After a staggering 27 seasons and nearly 5,000 episodes, Jerry Springer's show came to an end in July 2018.
But NBC executives wanted to keep him signed on and convinced him to take a chance on a slightly different type of programme, presiding over a courtroom in his new show, Judge Jerry.
He told the New York Post: "Honestly, at 75 I thought I’d be retiring. NBC had been talking to me for years about doing something else, and they thought the judge show was a natural fit because I started out as a lawyer and it’s a daytime audience — the same audience with me in a different role, but a role that I believe people can accept.
"Even though [the Jerry Springer show] was crazy I never got crazy — I'm always wearing a suit, I don't curse and I wasn't in fights throwing Jell-O. I
"I love doing [Judge Jerry] because it's the first grownup job I've had in 30 years. I have to do research and I have to remember what I learned in law school and practicing law. I really do my homework."
After three seasons and 366 episodes, Judge Jerry was cancelled due to a decreasing viewership in March 2022.
When the news was announced, Springer said he "wants to try out retirement while I'm still healthy."
"I'm 78 and have been in front of the camera now for 40 years, plus 10 years in politics. I'm winding down," he explained.
In November last year, Jerry opened up on the impact his show had on society and shared his regret over the content.
Speaking on David Yontef's Behind the Velvet Rope podcast, Springer said: "I just apologise. I'm so sorry. What have I done? I've ruined the culture.
"I just hope hell isn't that hot because I burn real easy. I'm very light-complected, and that kind of worries me."
Sadly, the talk show host's devastated family has revealed he has died.
A statement from his family confirmed that he passed away peacefully at his home in Chicago.
While his cause of death is yet to revealed, Jerry's family said he was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago, with his health sadly taking a turn for the worse this week.
"Jerry's ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he tried whether that was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a photo or a word," family spokesman Jene Galvin said.
