"Los Angeles (CNN) -- Richard Dawson, the longtime host of "Family Feud" known for planting kisses on female contestants, has died, his son said in a statement Sunday. He was 79.
"It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that my father passed away this evening from complications due to esophageal cancer," Gary Dawson said in a post on his Facebook page. "He was surrounded by his family. He was an amazing talent, a loving husband, a great dad, and a doting grandfather. He will be missed but always remembered."
Dawson died Saturday night at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, his son said.
Dawson was the show's host from its premier in 1976 until 1985. He also hosted the show's 1994-1995 season..."
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