LONDON – Veteran broadcaster Terry Wogan has died aged 77 from cancer, the British Broadcasting Corporation said Sunday.

One of the best-known entertainers in the UK and Ireland, Wogan was loved for his smooth voice on both radio and television. His radio show on BBC Radio 2 consistently achieved the UK’s biggest audience. Irish-born Wogan also presented a TV chat show, hosted the corporation’s coverage of the Eurovision Song Contest as well as the annual Children in Need charity event.

“Sir Terry Wogan died today after a short but brave battle with cancer. He passed away surrounded by his family,” said a family statement. “For decades, he gave great pleasure to radio listeners with his wit, warmth and inimitable humor. He was an extraordinary broadcaster but also incredibly good fun, and will be sorely missed.”

Former BBC Radio 2 colleague Jeremy Vine said on Twitter: “Truly one of the greatest we have ever seen. And treated his colleagues like friends.”(CNN/photo: independent.co.uk)…[+]