Charles Krauthammer, the longtime Fox News commentator and Pulitzer-winning conservative columnist, has died at the age of 68 after a battle with cancer, Fox News announced Thursday.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend, Charles Krauthammer," Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott said in a statement released by the network.

"A gifted doctor and brilliant political commentator, Charles was a guiding voice throughout his time with FOX News and we were incredibly fortunate to showcase his extraordinary talent on our programs. He was an inspiration to all of us and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his beloved wife Robyn and his son Daniel."

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Krauthammer, who had not been on the network since last August after undergoing surgery, had said in May that he was "finally getting back on track."

But in a letter shared earlier this month, the conservative commentator said that a "secondary cancer" had spread after doctors successfully removed a tumor in his abdomen.

"My doctors tell me their best estimate is that I have only a few weeks left to live. This is the final verdict. My fight is over," he wrote on June 8.

News of Krauthammer's death quickly drew an outpouring of tributes Thursday evening from Fox News colleagues and others who admired the conservative figure:

R.I.P. good friend. I am sure you will be owning the panel discussion in heaven as well. And we’ll make sure your wise words and thoughts - your legacy - will live on here @krauthammer — Bret Baier (@BretBaier) June 21, 2018

There will never be another Dr. @krauthammer - never. His brilliance, humor and kindness brightened the lives of everyone who was blessed enough to cross his path. He challenged me, inspired me and I find it hard to believe he's gone. #RIP My Dear Friend - I'm better bc of you — Shannon Bream (@ShannonBream) June 21, 2018

Sad, sad news. We have lost one of the brightest stars in our intellectual constellation. He was a great thinker and a kind man. May his memory be a blessing. https://t.co/7qe6JZ3gPg — Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) June 21, 2018

I learned of Charles Krauthammer after reading his 1993 address to McGill students. His strength of character and intellectual honesty were unsurpassed. God blessed us all with his presence.



“Save the best. Look outward. Don’t lose your head.

Now go and change the world.” — Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) June 21, 2018

RIP Charles Krauthammer. No greater master of the form. — Ross Douthat (@DouthatNYT) June 21, 2018