'The American Dream' Dusty Rhodes Dies at 69
STAMFORD, Conn. (CBS Connecticut) — A wrestling legend has passed away. WWE announced Thursday that Virgil Runnels, aka "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, died at the age of 69. No cause of death was given.
Rhodes was a three-time NWA champion and had legendary feuds with Ric Flair, "Superstar" Billy Graham, Harley Race, and Jerry "The King" Lawler, among others.
"WWE is deeply saddened that Virgil Runnels, aka "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes — WWE Hall of Famer, three-time NWA Champion and one of the most captivating and charismatic figures in sports entertainment history — passed away today at the age of 69," the WWE said in a statement.
The statement continued, "Runnels became a hero to fans around the world thanks to his work ethic, his impassioned interviews and his indomitable spirit. Moreover, Runnels was a dedicated father to WWE Superstars Goldust (Dustin Runnels) and Stardust (Cody Runnels), a caring husband and a creative visionary who helped shape the landscape of WWE long after his in-ring career had ended.
"WWE extends its sincerest condolences to Runnels' family, friends and colleagues."
Rhodes was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009. The wrestling community took to Twitter to express their condolences.
Saddened to hear the passing of Dusty Rhodes. Legend, teacher, mentor, friend...Love you Dream #BookinAintEasyKid pic.twitter.com/ZxlGSgKB8J
— Triple H (@TripleH) June 11, 2015
#RIPDustyRhodes We never got to shoot our angle together! Thank you for everything, I Love You. #HallofFamer #Legend pic.twitter.com/rN2YeVNv5b
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) June 11, 2015
I am absolutely devastated to hear about the passing of my long time friend Dusty Rhodes. One of the best ever. GO pic.twitter.com/e0BolBDNZj
— Gene Okerlund (@TheGeneOkerlund) June 11, 2015
I was ever so fortunate to be a friend to this man, to learn from him as a performer and as a human being. #RIPDusty pic.twitter.com/GH0e1isGxw
— Seth FREAKIN' Rollins (@WWERollins) June 11, 2015
Sad to hear about Dusty Rhodes, there's only one American Dream. Love you Dusty, thanks for all the laughs and stories. #lifewellLived #RIP
— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) June 11, 2015
My mentor @WWEDustyRhodes. Much love to your family and more respect than can ever be measured. Love you Dream. pic.twitter.com/bXgqs3qqca
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) June 11, 2015
One of my all time heroes and one the all time greats has passed away. American Dream #DustyRhodes I will never forget you. #Legend
— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) June 11, 2015
My children just called with the news that @WWEDustyRhodes had passed away. I'm crushed. He was a one-of-a-kind talent with an amazing mind.
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) June 11, 2015
Can't say enough about everything Dusty Rhodes did for me.There will never b another one like him.Absolute 1 of a kind legend #ThankYouDream
— The Man (@BeckyLynchWWE) June 11, 2015
"I've wined and dined with kings and queens... And I've slept in alleys and ate pork and beans!" ❤️ pic.twitter.com/VKnSXU2Qpl
— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) June 11, 2015