Muhammad Ali has passed away at age 74 in a hospital in Phoenix, AZ according to a family spokesperson and NBC news. Ali had been in the hospital for a couple days with a respiratory illness. The GOAT had been fighting Parkinson’s disease since the early 80’s. Funeral services are expected to be planned in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.

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Ali checked into the hospital in reportedly fair condition but reports continued to emerge that his health was deteriorating rapidly as family members flew into town to be at his side.

The champ’s influence extends so far beyond boxing that it is impossible to truly describe the impact he has had on people. He inspired generations of people while always being true to himself.

The family released the following short statement after he passed:

Muhammad Ali’s funeral will take place in his hometown of Louisville, KY. The Ali family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and support and asks for privacy at this time.”

His lighting of the Olympic torch in 1996 in Atlanta is one of the most iconic moments in sports history but because of who he was that moment is only a small part of the man born Cassius Clay’s life

He made his last public appearance in early April at a boxing event in Phoenix, which is where he has been living for years with his wife. That fight night was to raise money for the treatment of Parkinson’s. He literally was fighting till the end.

Rest in peace to a legend, Muhammad Ali.