Media

Longtime TV host John McLaughlin dies at 89

by Harper Neidig - 08/16/16 4:19 PM ET

John McLaughlin, host of the television show “The McLaughlin Group” for 34 straight years, died Tuesday morning at the age of 89, according to a post on the show’s Facebook page.

{mosads}“As a former jesuit priest, teacher, pundit and news host, John touched many lives,” the post reads. “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.”

On Monday, McLaughlin was absent from the show, breaking his hosting streak of 34 years, seven months and one week.

“I am under the weather,” McLaughlin said in a note at the beginning of this week’s episode. He added that his voice was “weaker than usual,” but “my spirit is strong and my dedication to the show remains absolute!”

McLaughlin was mourned by social media users as word spread of his death Tuesday:

RIP John McLaughlin. you helped change the world of political media

— John Harwood (@JohnJHarwood) August 16, 2016

RIP John McLaughlin of #TheMcLaughlinGroup -larger than life, 1 of a kind. Will never forget his encouragement. https://t.co/4uGZVl2EdA

— Michelle Malkin (@michellemalkin) August 16, 2016

John McLaughlin’s show was one of the first political shows I ever watched. Condolences to those who knew him. https://t.co/XVYYi4ppf9

— Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) August 16, 2016

John McLaughlin died. I loved his show. https://t.co/SkfhRZLTFu

— Sam Stein (@samsteinhp) August 16, 2016

"Now he has said bye bye for the last time"

John McLaughlin, dead at 89https://t.co/7mFZKHPfg7

— Jonathan Martin (@jmartNYT) August 16, 2016

RIP, John McLaughlin: ex-priest & host of long-running @McLaughlinGroup, my intro to political debate years ago. https://t.co/rFwa5uTRV1

— Ajit Pai (@AjitPaiFCC) August 16, 2016

Very sad to learn John McLaughlin has died — fascinating show, passionate guy.https://t.co/VNCfhR6MFC

— Ari Melber MSNBC (@AriMelber) August 16, 2016

– Updated at 4:35 p.m.