It was Eric Quizon who faced the media to confirm the dreaded news: his father Dolphy had passed away after a long bout with his illness.

Here's the family's official statement, which he read at past 12:00 midnight:

“My father Dolphy left at 8:34 p.m. following a cardiac arrest.

“He lived a full life. He's at rest. He's at peace. He knew as he was going how much the country loved him. He knew how everyone was praying for him. And if he could, he would have stayed just so he could thank you personally.

“But where his spirit was strong, his body had so weakened. He had to go.

“On behalf of my brothers and sisters, on behalf of everyone who loved him, on behalf of Zsa Zsa, my brother, Ronnie, my sister Dona, my sister Kit, we all thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

“Pray for his eternal repose and in his honor, please smile at the person standing next to you.

“Heaven is a happier place with him there. And for us whom he's left behind, comedy is dead, but long live comedy.”

Earlier that day, Eric was in Bataan shooting some scenes for TV5’s first fantaserye Enchanted Garden. He rushed back to Manila upon learning about the situation.

Meanwhile, Makati Medical Center stated that Dolphy died "due to multiple organ failure secondary to complications brought about by severe pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and acute renal failure."

It will be recalled that the Comedy King has been confined at the intensive care unit since June 9, 2012.

Dolphy’s remains will lie in state at the Heritage Park in Taguig City.

GLOBAL NEWS. Media outfits around the world have also reported the death of the veteran actor-comedian.

The New York Times, CNN, and Fox News published a report from the Associated Press with the title: “Dolphy, Comedian Adored by Many Filipinos, Dies.”

The said AP report describes Dolphy as a performer “who shot to fame for portraying gay roles and odd characters.”

The Comedy King was supposed to celebrate his 84thbirthday on July 25.