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Dick Clark mourned by President Obama, Ryan Seacrest and other celebrities

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(CBS News) Ryan Seacrest became the co-host  in "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" in 2006, after Clark suffered from a stroke and was unable to do the show alone. The two rang in the new year this year, for what would be Clark's last appearance on the program. He  died  April 18, 2012.

Pictures: Dick Clark 1929-2012

Seacrest released a statement about Clark's passing:

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend Dick Clark. He has truly been one of the greatest influences in my life. I idolized him from the start, and I was graced early on in my career with his generous advice and counsel. When I joined his show in 2006 , it was a dream come true to work with him every New Year's Eve for the last 6 years. He was smart, charming, funny and always a true gentleman. I learned a great deal from him, and I'll always be indebted to him for his faith and support of me. He was a remarkable host and businessman and left a rich legacy to television audiences around the world. We will all miss him."

In addition, the TV personality tweeted, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend Dick Clark. He has truly been one of the greatest influences in my life."

Click through to see other celebrity reaction.

Dick Clark mourned by President Obama, Ryan Seacrest and other celebrities

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Joan Rivers

Dick Clark mourned by President Obama, Ryan Seacrest and other celebrities

Christopher Polk

Snoop Dogg

Dick Clark mourned by President Obama, Ryan Seacrest and other celebrities

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Russell Simmons

Dick Clark mourned by President Obama, Ryan Seacrest and other celebrities

Mike Coppola

Hanson

Dick Clark mourned by President Obama, Ryan Seacrest and other celebrities

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Al Roker

Dick Clark mourned by President Obama, Ryan Seacrest and other celebrities

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Holly Robinson Peete

Dick Clark mourned by President Obama, Ryan Seacrest and other celebrities

Jason Kempin

Melissa Joan Hart

Dick Clark mourned by President Obama, Ryan Seacrest and other celebrities

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Jenny McCarthy

Dick Clark mourned by President Obama, Ryan Seacrest and other celebrities

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Seth Green

Dick Clark mourned by President Obama, Ryan Seacrest and other celebrities

Neilson Barnard

Andy Cohen

Dick Clark mourned by President Obama, Ryan Seacrest and other celebrities

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Mario Lopez

Dick Clark mourned by President Obama, Ryan Seacrest and other celebrities

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Michael Bloomberg

He continues on saying:

"Times Square is considered the crossroads of the world in no small part because Dick Clark's New Years Eve celebrations there were beamed across the globe. I remember one New Years Eve, he and I stood in Times Square marveling about how much the area - and the City - had improved over the years. But Dick Clark never had to change - he was a great entertainer who stood the test of time. Generations of Americans grew up with Dick, and yet he seemed forever young. His spirit will always live on in Times Square, and in the hearts of millions of New Yorkers."

Berry Gordy

"I'm saddened and devastated over the loss of my dear friend, Dick Clark. We were friends for over 50 years. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family, especially his wonderful wife, Kari, who took such incredible care of him always. Dick was always there for me and Motown, even before there was a Motown. He was an entrepreneur, a visionary and a major force in changing pop culture and ultimately influencing integration. It happened first emotionally. Music can do that. He didn't do it from a soap box, he just did it. That's who he was. 'American Bandstand' was a platform for all artists. For me personally, he helped bring Motown into living rooms across America. Dick did everything with class, style and integrity. He was a true gentleman. His groundbreaking achievements in music and television ensure that his legacy will live on forever," said Motown founder Berry Gordy in a statement.

Dick Clark mourned by President Obama, Ryan Seacrest and other celebrities

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Barry Manilow

"This is a sad day.He was a dear friend, supporting me and my music for all of my years in the business.A great businessman and a true gentleman. An inspiration.My heart is so heavy now," wrote singer Barry Manilow on his Facebook page, along with a picture of him and Clark at the 2006 Emmy Awards.

Dick Clark mourned by President Obama, Ryan Seacrest and other celebrities

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Clive Davis

"Dick Clark was a true pioneer who revolutionized the way we listened to and consumed music. Before 'American Idol,' 'X Factor' and 'The Voice,' even before MTV, it was 'American Bandstand,' which brought the most popular music of the day straight to the nation's living rooms. Many artists made their debut on the Bandstand stage, and for generations he steadfastly welcomed millions of fans to his celebrations of the best of contemporary music. For me he ranks right up there with the giants of our business," said Clive Davis in a statement.

Dick Clark mourned by President Obama, Ryan Seacrest and other celebrities

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L.A. Reid

Dick Clark mourned by President Obama, Ryan Seacrest and other celebrities

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John Oates

"Dick's understated yet omnipresent personality created a new media format. With an understated on-air presence, he made the kids and their music the stars of the show. His genius was in his ability to use the power of television to help define how American teenagers saw themselves. Dick Clark's 'American Bandstand' spread the gospel of American pop music and teenage style that transcended the regional boundaries of our country and united a youth culture that eventually spread its message throughout the entire world. With his passing, Dick Clark deserves to take his place at the top in the pantheon of popular culture icons," said John Oates of Hall & Oates.

Dick Clark mourned by President Obama, Ryan Seacrest and other celebrities

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Bruce "Cousin Brucie'' Morrow

Legendary New York City disc jockey Bruce "Cousin Brucie" Morrow says Dick Clark was the kind of guy you'd want as a next-door-neighbor. He called Clark "a sweet, charming, very honest guy." Although the two men were competitors, Morrow said they nurtured each other. He said the number of people Clark helped build their careers "looked like the New York City telephone directory."

h2>Les Moonves

"He's one of these guys who will be remembered 50 years from now, because my guess is ABC will still have 'New Year's Rockin' Eve' on, and the Golden Globes will still be here, which he created, and the Academy of Country Music Awards, plus the American Music Awards, there are numerous things that will leave his legacy forever," said CBS President and CEO Les Moonves.

Dick Clark mourned by President Obama, Ryan Seacrest and other celebrities

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Michael Uslan

"Dick Clark was The Great Communicator spanning generations of rock n' roll fans. He single-handedly made Rock 'n' Roll acceptable on the heels of societal backlash to its threatening beat and the gyrations of Elvis Presley. American cities were organizing record burnings until a young (eternally so), polished, well-dressed and properly groomed young man brought this music into the living rooms of America, letting the parents, teachers, ministers and politicians know that this music and its new young performers were acceptable for their teens and tweens. Dick Clark single-handedly legitimized rock n' roll and opened its artists to long careers. In doing so, Dick created an atmosphere in which fifty years later, rock has become the only music that doesn't solely belong to any one age group. It's a world cultural experience shared by kids, parents and grandparents. Thank Dick Clark for that," said Michael Uslan executive producer of the Batman franchise of films and co-author of the 1981 book "Dick Clark's The First 25 Years of Rock & Roll."

Dick Clark mourned by President Obama, Ryan Seacrest and other celebrities

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American Bandstand Alumni Bunny Gibson

Dick Clark "was very all-American, handsome, and nice, a father figure to us," she recalled. "He made sure the guys wore suits and we were dressed properly. He molded the image of the American teenager so America would accept rock-and-roll," said Bunny Gibson,66, who was a kid when Clark came into her life, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer.

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