Jerry Springer already revealed what he wanted on his tombstone

The late Jerry Springer revealed what he wanted on his tombstone seven years prior to his death.

The world was hit with sad news yesterday (27 April) as the TV host passed away at the age of 79.

Springer was, of course, best known for hosting the Jerry Springer show for 27 years, between 1991 and 2018.

His family confirmed the tragic news of his passing in a statement.

"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," said family spokesperson Jene Galvin.

"He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on."

Springer died peacefully at his home in Chicago after a brief illness, the statement added.

Although many will remember his for his broadcasting career, his stint as a political reporter and commentator sometimes goes under the radar.

At one point he was the Mayor of Cincinnati, in the US state of Ohio, and a political campaign adviser to US presidential hopeful Robert F Kennedy.

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Former advisor to US president Barack Obama, David Axelrod, who had been a political writer for The Chicago Tribune, paid tribute to Springer, writing: “Jerry Springer will be remembered as the ringmaster of an embarrassing, tabloid-style TV show.

“But I met him earlier, when he was a mayor and insurgent progressive candidate for governor of Ohio in a race I covered. He was funny, self-effacing & incisive.”

Presenter Matthew Wright, who saw Springer appear on his topical chat show The Wright Stuff, added: “Went to see Jerry Springer the opera with Jerry Springer who loved every second.

“Top fella, a great deputy on the Wright stuff hope he RIP XX.”

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Following on from the devastating news, a resurfaced interview of Springer is doing the rounds, where he joked about already picking out his tombstone.

He told ET back in 2016: "I know what I'm going to put on my tombstone. 'I won't be right back.'"

For those who grew up watching his show, they will remember one of his famous catchphrases was 'we'll be right back'.

Springer, who appeared on David Yontef's Behind the Velvet Rope podcast last year, joked that he would go to 'hell' for the series.

When asked if he considered himself the 'granddad of reality TV', Springer responded: "No, 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-complexioned, and that kind of worries me."