Fox News founder Roger Ailes dead at 77

Former Fox News Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes has died, according to multiple reports.

In a statement to the Drudge Report, Ailes’ wife Elizabeth Ailes said:

I am profoundly sad and heartbroken to report that my husband, Roger Ailes, passed away this morning. Roger was a loving husband to me, to his son Zachary, and a loyal friend to many. He was also a patriot, profoundly grateful to live in a country that gave him so much opportunity to work hard, to rise—and to give back. During a career that stretched over more than five decades, his work in entertainment, in politics, and in news affected the lives of many millions. And so even as we mourn his death, we celebrate his life...

No cause of death has been reported.

Ailes resigned from Fox News last July in the wake of a series of sexual harassment allegations. Multiple employees — including former anchors Gretchen Carlson and Megyn Kelly — alleged that Ailes sexually harassed them. Ailes denied the allegations.

In a statement after Ailes left the network, News Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch said, "Roger Ailes has made a remarkable contribution to our company and our country ... Roger shared my vision of a great and independent television organization and executed it brilliantly over 20 great years.”

Ailes founded Fox News in 1996.

On Twitter, Fox News anchor Bret Baier offered condolences to Elizabeth Ailes and their son Zach:

In a series of tweets, Fox News host Sean Hannity praised Ailes for founding the network and wrote that the former CEO had a significant impact on his life.

Ailes' death was briefly addressed Thursday morning on Fox News' "Fox and Friends."

This story has been updated to include additional information.