Australian TV legend and founding producer of Nine Network’s 60 Minutes Gerald Stone has died. He was 87 years old.

Nine CEO Hugh Marks has led tributes to the well-known American-born journalist writing in a statement released this morning, “It’s with great sadness that I share with all of you today the news of the passing of Nine legend and Australian media industry giant Gerald Stone. Gerald occupies a lofty pedestal in Nine’s history and a profound place in our hearts.

“He was famously of course the ‘father’ and founder of 60 Minutes in Australia in 1979 – which under his remarkable leadership became a juggernaut of Australian television.

Meanwhile, 60 Minutes Australia tweeted their condolences, writing. “Gerald Stone, the ‘father’ and founding Executive Producer of @60Mins, has died. He was 87 years old. Gerald was a fearless journalist who occupies a lofty pedestal in Nine’s history and a profound place in our hearts. Our thoughts are with his wife Irene, his family and friends.”

Other social media users have since taken to Twitter to pay their respects, with one writing: “Deeply saddened to hear founding EP @60Mins Gerald Stone has passed away. He was an extraordinary journalist & a very decent man. Gerald leaves a lasting legacy on journalism in Australia #Farewell.”

Another added: “Sad to hear Gerald Stone has died.” While a third wrote: “RIP Gerald Stone who gave me a job as one of the first female news reporters @9NewsAUS Sydney. He was a great leader and mentor and made a huge mark on Australian television. My thoughts are with his wife Irene and all his family

Gerald is survived by his wife Irene, his two children, Klay and Jennifer, and two grandchildren, Louis and Gina.