Seacrest calls Clark a 'true gentleman'

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LOS ANGELES, April 18 (UPI) -- A tribute to late TV personality Dick Clark is to take place on the next edition of "American Idol," E! News reported.

Clark died of a heart attack Wednesday at the age of 82. The "American Bandstand" icon worked for years with "Idol" host Ryan Seacrest on his traditional "New Year's Rockin' Eve" special.

E! News cited unnamed "Idol" sources as saying Clark will be recognized in "as meaningful a way as possible" on Wednesday night's live performance show, with Seacrest saying some words of remembrance about his friend and mentor.

Seacrest said earlier in the day he is "deeply saddened" by Clark's death.

"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 six years," Seacrest said in a statement. "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."

"I had the opportunity to work with Dick Clark for 50 years, beginning when I wrote the theme for 'American Bandstand,'" songwriter, producer and record company executive Mike Curb said in a separate statement. "He has clearly been the most important figure during my lifetime in the industry."

Famously irreverent comedian Denis Leary let loose with several jokes about Clark via Twitter upon hearing about his death.

"Dick Clark dead. Okay so now I'm starting to get a little more concerned about all this 2012 Mayan shit," he tweeted. "With Dick Clark dead, Casey Kasem now reveling in his status as last and reigning king of leather faced syrup voiced lizard people."

Another Leary message read, "I'm gonna package a Dick Clark Hologram mc'ing a Tupac Hologram summer tour."