Legendary professional wrestler Virgil Runnels Jr., better known as his ring name Dusty Rhodes, died on Thursday at the age of 69.

Legendary professional wrestler Virgil Runnels Jr., better known by his ring name "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, died on Thursday at the age of 69, the WWE confirmed.

Rhodes was one of wrestling's biggest stars as it exploded in popularity in the 1980s. He spent time in all of the major promotions, including the WWF (now WWE) and WCW, where he also served as a creative consultant and booker.

The WWE Hall of Fame inductee is also the father of two current WWE superstars, Dustin "Goldust" Runnels and Garrett "Stardust" Runnels, and still worked with the company training up-and-coming wrestlers and developing storylines.

Many members of the wrestling community tweeted out their condolences upon hearing the news.