Adam Sandler, Drew Carey and others pay tribute to Bob Barker who died at 99: 'An American treasure'

Legendary host Bob Barker spent 35 years on "The Price is Right" only to retire in 2007. Believed to be the longest-running game show in the United States, the game show host Barker was an icon in his own right. Since 1979, Barker, who was also an animal activist, signed off every episode with a message reminding people to help control the pet population.

Barker's former publicist Roger Neal announced on behalf of Barker's girlfriend, Nancy Burnet, that the TV legend died on Saturday. “It is with profound sadness that we announce that the World’s Greatest MC who ever lived, Bob Barker, has left us," Neal said in a statement per PEOPLE.

“I am so proud of the trailblazing work Barker and I did together to expose the cruelty to animals in the entertainment industry, including working to improve the plight of abused and exploited animals in the United States and internationally," Burnet added in her own statement. "We were great friends over these 40 years. He will be missed.”

Barker died of natural causes in his longtime Hollywood Hills home at the age of 99. Drew Carey, the current host of the show, paid tribute to the icon, saying it is a "[very] sad day for the 'Price Is Right' family, and animal lovers all over the world." "There hasn't been a day on set that I didn't think of Bob Barker and thank him," Carey added. "I will carry his memory in my heart forever." 

Other celebrities also paid tribute to the late TV legend, including Adam Sandler who Barker worked with on the 1996 comedy "Happy Gilmore." "The man. The myth. The best. Such a sweet funny guy to hang out with. Loved talking to him. Loved laughing with him. Loved him kicking the crap out of me," Sandler wrote on Twitter. "He will be missed by everyone I know! Heartbreaking day."

"Modern Family" actress Julie Bowen, who also starred in the film, shared a photo of the film's cast with Barker on Instagram. "I will never forget Adam convincing Bob Barker to say the iconic line, 'the price is WRONG, b----!'" she wrote. "Bob was kind and polite and had declined to say the line, but he got swept up in the hilarious fight scene between him and Happy, he just... said it. It's one of my favorite filming memories ever."

Burnet, the late host's partner since 1983, previously told Fox News Digital,  "He's had a very charmed life," and that he's always thought of the show fondly while being grateful for its popularity. "He never grew tired of it," she explained. Burnet stated that Barker was especially appreciative of the show for providing him with a platform to raise awareness about a subject close to his heart.

"I'm often asked what I loved most about my years with 'Price,' and the first thing that pops to mind is the money, of course!" Barker previously joked to PEOPLE in 2021 just before its 50th season. He reassured fans that "all kidding aside, there was much to love. I had the pleasure of working with a dedicated and talented cast and crew for 35 great years. Particularly close to my heart was the ability our vast popularity gave me to remind our entire audience daily about the importance of spaying and neutering your pets."

RIP legend!