Chuck Woolery, a veteran of game shows and the original host of “Wheel of Fortune,” has passed away at the age of 83.

His friend and podcast co-host Mark Young shared the news with YSL News on Sunday, stating that Woolery died at his home in Texas, surrounded by his wife, Kristin. The specific cause of death has not been released.

“He was a cherished friend, and life will certainly feel different without him,” said Young.

Woolery was the host of “Wheel of Fortune” from 1975 until 1981, when he was replaced by Pat Sajak due to a contract dispute. Sajak has now retired, paving the way for Ryan Seacrest to take over.

Sajak famously reassured viewers at his debut, saying, “Please do not adjust your sets at home. Chuck Woolery has not shrunk. I’ve been fortunate enough to step into the role on a very successful program.”

After “Wheel of Fortune,” Woolery went on to host “Love Connection,” a dating show that aired from 1983 to 1994 and was later revived with hosts Pat Bullard and Andy Cohen. He also hosted several other game shows, including “Scrabble,” “Greed,” “The Dating Game,” and “Lingo.”

In addition to game shows, Woolery hosted talk shows such as “The Chuck Woolery Show” and “Home & Family.” He even pursued a music career as part of The Avant-Garde, and made guest appearances on various shows like “Scrubs,” “Sister, Sister,” and “Melrose Place.”

Woolery was known for his outspoken conservative views and drew media attention in 2020 when Donald Trump retweeted his claim that “the CDC, Media, Democrats, our Doctors” were falsely portraying the COVID-19 pandemic to undermine Trump’s re-election chances.

Later, Woolery expressed, “COVID-19 is a genuine threat and it’s here. My son has tested positive for the virus, and my heart goes out to those affected, especially those who have lost loved ones.”

In 2017, Woolery shared with The New York Times that he supported Trump out of fear of losing the Constitution and as a way to avoid what he described as a “hypersocialist” direction the country could take. He admitted on X in 2019 that publicly supporting Trump had nearly ended his career, stating he was proud of his conservative stance.

“At times it was painful, but it was my choice, and I stand by it. I would choose it again,” he wrote.

Woolery is survived by his sons, Michael and Sean, along with his daughter, Melissa.