(CNN) Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of the animated show "SpongeBob Squarepants," has died following a battle with the neurodegenerative disease ALS.

"[Hillenburg] was a beloved friend and long-time creative partner to everyone at Nickelodeon, and our hearts go out to his entire family," the network said in a statement to CNN on Tuesday. "Steve imbued SpongeBob SquarePants with a unique sense of humor and innocence that has brought joy to generations of kids and families everywhere. His utterly original characters and the world of Bikini Bottom will long stand as a reminder of the value of optimism, friendship and the limitless power of imagination."

Nickelodeon had earlier confirmed the news in a Tweet.

💛 We are sad to share the news of the passing of Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of SpongeBob SquarePants. Today, we are observing a moment of silence to honor his life and work. 💛 — Nickelodeon (@Nickelodeon) November 27, 2018

Hillenburg revealed last year that he had been diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease.

According to his IMDB profile, Hillenburg was 57.

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