Walter Cronkite passed away on July 17th, 2009 at 7:42 p.m. Ap/photo

Walter Cronkite died tonight at the age of 92

In very sad news, Walter Cronkite died at 7:42 p.m. tonight. He was surrounded by his family when he passed away. Walter Cronkite's death was caused cerebral vascular disease, according to his chief of staff Marlene Adler.

Walter Cronkite was considered "The most trusted man in America." When Cronkite spoke the American public listened and believed exactly what he said was true. From 1962 to 1981, Cronkite was the anchorman for the CBS Evening News.

One of Walter Cronkite's most memorable broadcasts was on Nov. 22, 1963, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Cronkite broke into the Soap Opera "As the world turns" and said "Here is a bulletin from CBS News. In Dallas, Texas, three shots were fired at President Kennedy's motorcade in downtown Dallas. The first reports say that President Kennedy has been seriously wounded by this shooting."

Cronkite would always end his broadcasts by saying  "That's the way it is. This is Walter Cronkite, good night."

President Obama said of Walter Cronkite "His rich baritone reached millions of living rooms every night, and in an industry of icons, Walter set the standard by which all others have been judged," also "But Walter was always more than just an anchor. He was family. He invited us to believe in him, and he never let us down."

Katie Couric said in a statement "When I think of Walter Cronkite, I think of his high journalism standards, integrity, but most of all his humanity,"  adding "I think he was so trusted because he exhibited a sense of purpose and compassion, night after night.  He was the personification of excellence."

On Sunday CBS has will air a prime-time special, "That's the Way it Was: Remembering Walter Cronkite," at 7 p.m.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Walter Cronkite's family.

Video of Walter Cronkite announcing the death of John F. Kennedy.

Video of Walter Cronkite interviewing President John F. Kennedy about Vietnam

Sources

What is cerebral vascular disease?

Walter Cronkite's death caused by cerebral vascular disease
Obama praises Cronkite as icon who will be missed AP

Legendary CBS anchor Walter Cronkite dies at 92 AP