'Car Talk' Co-Host Tom Magliozzi Dead at 77

National Public Radio has lost a major and beloved figure today.

Tom Magliozzi, one half of the duo that hosted the long-running weekend public radio show "Car Talk," has passed away at the age of 77. Magliozzi hosted the show with his younger brother, Ray Magliozzi, since its start in 1977.

Over the years, Tom and Ray entertained (and helped, though they'd never admit it) fans with their hilarious and irreverent advice on car troubles, and on life in general, as Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers. The duo retired in 2012, ending the show's decades-long run.

Tom Magliozzi was reportedly dealing with the early signs of Alzheimer's at the time, and his condition worsened enough over the past two years to the point where Tom succumbed to complications from the disease today.

"We can be happy that he lived the life he wanted to live; goofing off a lot, talking to you guys every week, and primarily, laughing his ass off," Ray Magliozzi wrote in a statement on the show's blog. "In lieu of flowers, or rotten fish, I know my brother would prefer that folks make a donation to their favorite public radio station in his memory."

The family has also requested donations to Alzheimer's research funds in lieu of flowers.

NPR stations across the country will continue to replay archived episodes of "Car Talk" on weekends.