Johnny Carson, who entertained for over 30 years as the host of the Tonight Show, passed away Sunday, at 79.

He died early Sunday afternoon, surrounded by family, said his nephew, Jeff Sotzing, in a quote to the Associated Press.

Carson's family has withheld details of his death, reflecting the intensely private nature of a famous man who kept the world at arm's length when he was off-screen.

NBC, however, in a separate statement, said emphysema, brought on by his many years of smoking, both on and off camera, was to blame.

In the statement, Bob Wright, vice chairman and CEO of NBC Universal, added, "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Johnny Carson today. As host of Tonight Show, his gift was the ability to make millions of Americans feel they too had a close friendship with Johnny. His professional and usually anonymous personal generosity launched the careers of countless stars and helped thousands of people. With his lightning quick wit, effortless delivery, and immense charm, he was without peer in late-night television. His death marks the passing of a show-business legend and a man of warmth and sincerity."

Jay Leno, Carson's successor at Tonight Show, also had this to say, "No single individual has had as great an impact on television as Johnny. He was the gold standard. It's hard to believe he's actually gone. This is a tremendous loss for everyone who Johnny made laugh for so many years."

Born Oct. 23, 1925 in Corning, Iowa, Carson spent most of his life in front of the television cameras. After a three-year stint in the Navy, from 1943-46, Carson moved back to Nebraska, where he had grown up, and started working in local television.

In the 50's, Carson moved to Hollywood, where he hosted a few short-lived regional shows. He worked for a while as a writer on the Red Skelton Show, and got his national break when he had to take over hosting duties on the show one night after Skelton was injured in rehersals.

In 1957, Carson hosted the highly rated daytime game show, Who Do You Trust?, and shortly after, was invited to substitute for the tempermental Jack Paar as a guest host on The Tonight Show.

A few years later, Carson moved to New York to take over the reigns of the show and it was on October 1, 1962 show that he became the permanent host. His casual interviewing style and low-key humor struck a chord with the viewers and within four months, had increased ratings on the show by nearly a half million viewers.

Over the years that followed, Carson more than doubled his audience, and in the 80's, became one of the highest paid performers on television. He occasionally hosted a number of network specials, including the Academy Awards (five times) and the Emmys, and performed stand-up several times in Vegas, to "keep the timing sharp."

On May 22, 1992, millions watched as Bette Midler seranaded the sixty-six year old Carson into retirement, after thirty years as host. And Carson took it as a real retirement. Other than a few humor pieces in the NY Times and a couple of jokes passed on to his friend David Letterman, Carson did not make any major entertainment appearances again.

Johnny Carson was a true legend in the business, and his influence will continue to be felt for many years to come.

Yesterday, fans left many tributes at both his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the monument in the Johnny Carson Park, located across from the NBC Studios where he worked for many years.

Details of his funeral have not been released, yet, but his nephew has said there will be no memorial service.

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