His welcome, smiling face was the one generations of Americans looked forward to waking up to. But there’s sad news to report about the man many considered the nation’s weatherman for “more than three decade,” as the Associated Press reports. Former “Today” show weatherman Willard Scott has passed away at age 87.

NEW YORK (AP) — Willard Scott, the beloved weatherman who charmed viewers of NBC’s “Today” show with his self-deprecating humor and cheerful personality, has died. He was 87.

His successor on the morning news show, Al Roker, announced that Scott died peacefully Saturday morning surrounded by family. An NBC Universal spokeswoman confirmed the news. No further details were released.

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Scott began his 65-year career at NBC as an entry-level page at an affiliate station in Washington, D.C., and rose to become the weather forecaster on the network’s flagship morning show for more than three decades.

Willard Scott, legendary TODAY weatherman, dies at 87https://t.co/0ZlHLYc7fy

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) September 4, 2021

On the website for NBC’s the “Today” show, the morning program that was the jewel of the Peacock Network’s ratings crown for many years, Scott’s memorable road trips across America are noted, as well as his cheerful best wishes for the new day’s centenarians who were celebrating their birthdays.

Scott, who joined TODAY in 1980, may have been best known for wishing happy birthday to fans turning 100, a feature that soared in popularity over the years, with images of centenarians appearing on Smucker’s jelly jars while Scott recognized them in front of millions of viewers.

Scott, who began his 65-year career with NBC as a page at the affiliate station in Washington, D.C., in 1950, would also do his forecasts on the road, delighting locals with his unflagging charm.

Roker provided a fitting farewell for the man he called “my second father,” in an Instagram post. He wrote:

“We lost a beloved member of our @todayshow family this morning. Willard Scott passed peacefully at the age of 87 surrounded by family, including his daughters Sally and Mary and his lovely wife, Paris. He was truly my second dad and am where I am today because of his generous spirit. Willard was a man of his times, the ultimate broadcaster. There will never be anyone quite like him.”

R.I.P.

As this is a breaking story, RedState will add updates as further details become available.