Sad Details Emerge About Jerry Springer’s Final Days – Here’s Why He Kept His Cancer Battle Private

Yesterday, we reported that the legendary talk show host Jerry Springer had died at the age of 79 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Now, sad new details are coming out about his death, including the reason he decided to keep his cancer battle private.

Springer’s Final Weeks

Jene Galvin, a representative for Springer’s family, told TMZ that the talk show host only told his family and close friends about his diagnosis because he didn’t want to be “a burden” to his other loved ones. Springer’s family agreed with him that they didn’t want to worry anyone, so they instead shifted their entire focus to helping out with his care.

Galvin added that while Springer had been sick for months, he was only recently told how dire his diagnosis was. Once he realized what little time he had left, Springer tried to spend as much of his time with loved ones as he possibly could.

She concluded by saying that it was only a very small circle of friends outside of the family that knew of Springer’s cancer battle.

Related: Jerry Springer Dead At 79 – Here’s What You May Not Know About Him

Springer’s Death

Daily Mail reported that it was Galvin who announced Springer’s death yesterday, much to the shock of the world.

“Jerry’s ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he tried whether that was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a photo or a word,” she said. “He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on.”

Springer is survived by his daughter Katie, who is deaf and blind, and by his sister Evelyn.

“Funeral services and a memorial gathering are currently being developed,” Galvin continued, according to People Magazine. “To remember Jerry, the family asks that in lieu of flowers you consider following his spirit and make a donation or commit to an act of kindness to someone in need or a worthy advocacy organization. As he always said, ‘Take care of yourself, and each other.'”

Related: ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Judge Len Goodman Dead At 78 After Cancer Battle

Springer’s Life And Career

Born in 1944, Springer got his start working in politics when he campaigned for Robert Kennedy to get the 1968 Democratic presidential nomination. This campaign ended tragically with Kennedy being assassinated, but Springer stuck with politics, going on to become the 56th mayor of Cincinnati in the 1970s.

Once his political career ended, Springer moved to television with “The Jerry Springer Show,” which ran for 28 seasons from 1991 to 2018. The show was known for its raucous moments that often involved confrontations between guests, and Springer tried to distance himself from it at times.

“I would never watch my show,” Springer said in 2000, according to NBC News. “I’m not interested in it; it’s not aimed toward me. This is just a silly show. I don’t take it seriously.”

In this same interview, however, Springer appeared to defend his eponymous talk show.

“When people argue about the show intellectually, then I’m prepared to answer about why I think it is OK to do it and why I think it’s important that shows like that are on the air,” he said.

Though it’s devastating to lose Springer, we’re glad that he appears to have been able to spend his final months with those who he loved most in this world. Please join us in saying a prayer for Springer’s family and friends during this difficult time.