RIP

10:45 AM PT -- We're told Okerlund passed away early Wednesday morning. Cause of death is still unclear. Working on it.

8:59 AM PT -- We just spoke with Diamond Dallas Page who praised Okerlund as one of the greatest people in the industry.

Page got emotional as he reflected on Okerlund's life and says he will be missed by all.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund -- the most famous announcer in the history of pro wrestling -- has died, WWE has confirmed. He was 76.

Vince McMahon's company issued a statement saying, "WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Gene Okerlund, the most recognizable interviewer in sports-entertainment history, has passed away at age 76."

Hulk Hogan also commented ... saying, "Mean Gene I love you my brother."

Unclear how he died, but Okerlund had health problems dating back years. He had 2 kidney transplants -- the first one in 1995 and the second in 2004.

Okerlund started as a radio DJ back in Nebraska before taking a job with the American Wrestling Association in 1970.

He moved to WWF in the early '80s and WRESTLED -- famously pinning Mr. Fuji in a tag team match with Hulk Hogan in 1984.

Okerlund was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006 by Hulk Hogan.

Among his many highlights, Okerlund sang the national anthem at Wrestlemania I back in 1985.

His interviews were legendary -- standing face to face with guys like Andre the Giant, Ultimate Warrior, Ricky Steamboat and others ... and getting the best out of these guys.

He was beloved in wrestling circles for decades. In fact, he served as the best man at The Iron Sheik's wedding!

As for his nickname, Jesse "The Body" Ventura is credited with the name "Mean" Gene.

The tributes from WWE stars are already pouring in ...

Ric Flair -- One Of My Closest Friends Since 1972 Until This Very Sad Day In 2019. Not Only The Greatest Voice And Personality In The History Of Announcing, But A Man Who Touched Everyone’s Life Who Were Fortunate Enough To Know Him. Rest In Peace Knowing No One Will Ever Replace You.

Seth Rollins -- Super bummed about Mean Gene. Literally JUST sat down last week to do an interview about his legacy. He was the most iconic backstage interviewer in wrestling history in my opinion. #RIPMeanGene

Charlotte Flair -- Goodbye, old friend. Thank you for the memories

Stephanie McMahon -- Gene Okerlund was an incredibly rare talent. He made everything and everyone better. #ThankYouMeanGene for all the incredible memories. Our condolences to his family and loved ones.

Ted DiBiase -- WWE universe has lost one of its greatest announcers and truly one of the nicest guys you’d ever know. “Mean” Gene Okerlund, RIP my friend

Stone Cold Steve Austin -- "Just heard Mean Gene Okerlund has passed away. As an interviewer, pitch man, announcer, or host, he was untouchable. Simply the best. Total professional with quick wit, sarcasm, humor, and that golden voice."

Triple H -- "A voice and sound track to an entire era of our industry. He was the star of some of @WWE’s most memorable segments. “Mean Gene” was beloved by all who got to work with him. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

Big E -- "Mean Gene was the voice of millions of childhoods. Mine certainly. An honor to meet him. Condolences to his family."

Mustafa Ali -- "The voice of my youth. Condolences to his friends and family."

Ligero -- "Extremely sad news to hear of the unfortunate passing of Mean Gene Okerlund. One of the most iconic interviewers and personalities of my childhood, and one of the very best in the business."

Charles Robinson (famous WWE ref) -- "So sad to hear of the passing of one of the greatest voices in wrestling. Mean Gene you will be missed and we will continue to love you. What a true class act. I am very fortunate to work with you."

Bully Ray -- "RIP “Mean” Gene. Thanks for the memories and being a Gentleman. God Bless."

Kevin Owens -- Mean Gene was universally loved by everyone I’ve met that knew him.

Very few people can say that their work will forever be appreciated and remembered. Very few can legitimately claim to be legends in their field.

Those things can undoubtedly be said about him.

Matt Hardy -- RIP to an absolute legend of our industry, @TheGeneOkerlund. "Mean Gene" was incredible in many roles, as he wore many hats throughout his iconic career in pro wrestling. My thoughts are with his family & friends today.

Kurt Angle -- Very seldom does an interviewer become just as popular, and at times even more popular than the superstars he/she interviews. Gene Okerlund was that person. Im saddened to hear of Gene’s passing. It was an honor to know you Gene!

Mac Miller's still making a difference -- his charity foundation's quickly approaching a million bucks in money raised to help kids in his hometown ... TMZ has learned.

Folks at The Mac Miller Circles Fund tell us ... donations have been pouring in from the late rapper's fans and the total is up to around $350,000. The cash will be used to provide programs and opportunities to underserved youth in the Pittsburgh area, "helping them recognize their full potential through exploration in the arts and community building."

Add that money to proceeds from the October 31 tribute concert for Mac -- which we're told is expected to be another $350k -- and the Circles Fund's hauled in $700k since his death.

As we reported ... the tribute show, "Mac Miller: A Celebration of Life," went down at L.A.'s Greek Theatre and featured performances by artists -- and some of Miller's closest friends -- like Chance the Rapper, Travis Scott, SZA and John Mayer.

We broke the story ... Mac died from an overdose in September. According to the toxicology report, it was the result of "mixed drug toxicity" -- specifically fentanyl and cocaine. The Coroner ruled his death accidental.

Mac was 26.

Penny Marshall died from heart failure, heart disease and complications from diabetes ... this according to her death certificate.

We obtained Penny's death certificate, issued Monday ... and it lists heart failure as the primary cause of death. The document also says cardiovascular disease and diabetes were contributing factors.

TMZ broke the story -- Penny died December 17 in her Hollywood Hills home -- the certificate lists 9:10 PM as her time of death.

The famed actress and director of huge films like "Big," "The Preacher's Wife" and "League of Their Own" was cremated 10 days after she died.

"Big" star, Tom Hanks, was one of the first to post a tribute to Penny after her death, saying, "Goodbye, Penny. Man, did we laugh a lot! Wish we still could. Love you. Hanx."

There were a lot of sad and shocking celebrity deaths in 2018, and unfortunately once again ... many were the result of tragedies and stars taking their own lives.

The rap world lost up-and-coming artist XXXTentacion, who was shot and killed, and Mac Miller, who died from an accidental overdose.

Anthony Bourdain, Kate Spade, Avicii and several others died by suicide,

There was also an abundance of health-related deaths -- both expected and unexpected. The celeb world also lost legends like Aretha Franklin, Burt Reynolds, and Stan Lee ... while powerful political figures like John McCain, Barbara Bush and George H. W. Bush also passed.

Take a look back at who we've lost in Hollywood and beyond this year.

A member of Canadian pop band Walk off the Earth died this weekend just as the group was about to play a New Year's Eve show and embark on an international tour.

WotE announced Mike 'Beard Guy' Taylor's passing Sunday on their official social media pages, saying he had died peacefully Saturday in his sleep of natural causes ... but did not elaborate further.

In their statement, the band says ... "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved brother and band member, Mike 'Beard Guy' Taylor. Mike had a love for life that was unmatched and a willingness to give that went beyond ordinary means."

They add ... "He passed peacefully from natural causes last night in his sleep. Our deepest sympathies are with his two children, whom he adored more than anything else in the world. We ask for privacy for his family in this trying time."

Mike was a multi-instrumentalist, but primarily played keyboards and provided vocals for Walk off the Earth. He joined the band sometime after it formed in 2006.

Walk off the Earth is most famous for their 2012 cover of Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know," in which all five members played one guitar together while singing it. The video went viral at the time.

The band was set to play a gig Monday in Niagara Falls. They were also scheduled to hit the road this coming February here in the States, Canada and in Europe.

Unclear if they still plan on moving forward with either at this point.

Fox News commentator, Bre Payton, has died suddenly ... and she was only 26.

Payton, a conservative who wrote for The Federalist magazine, died in San Diego after suffering some sort of sudden illness ... this according to the mag.

Morgan Murtaugh, a friend of hers who just ran for Congress in San Diego and lost, said she found Payton unconscious Thursday. Murtaugh called 911, but apparently Payton was already in a coma and beyond hope.

Murtaugh asked people to reach out to God, saying, "Please if you're religious at all, send prayers this way. We really need them."

It was too late. Payton died Friday.

It appears she was suffering from meningitis, but so far authorities have not determined a cause of death.

Payton was 26.

3:35 PM PT -- David Bennett of Thav Gross P.C., attorney for Franklin's Estate, says the Estate disputes the claim as Aretha paid off the vast majority of her debt before she died. He says, "The Estate is diligently working to resolve any remaining issues."

When Aretha Franklin died in August she left behind a legacy as the undisputed "Queen of Soul" ... and also a huge debt to Uncle Sam.

According to legal docs obtained by TMZ ... the IRS claims Franklin owes more than $6.3 MILLION in back taxes from 2012 to 2018, and an additional $1.5 mil in penalties.

One of Aretha's former lawyers tells us the massive tax lien is the result of several audits over the last 6 years. The weird thing ... one of the years in question is listed as 2018, and that tax year is not over.

We broke the story ... the "Respect" singer's being dogged in death by more than just the tax man -- her lawyer also filed docs in October demanding the estate pony up nearly $54k to cover bills dating back 6 years.

There's also a new lien filed by a publishing company that wants $136,000 for royalties in connection with the 1973 song "Angel."

Say a little prayer for the person managing her finances.

Frank Adonis -- best known for his roles in some of Martin Scorsese's most famous films -- died after a long battle with various health issues ... TMZ has learned.

According to his wife, Denise ... the veteran actor died Wednesday night in Las Vegas. She tells us he'd been sick for a couple years, mostly kidney problems. We're told he'd been on dialysis and was on a ventilator for the past 9 days, but they waited until after Christmas to take him off it.

She adds ... "He will be missed. He was a great father and an amazing husband. He helped all his friends he could. Great writer, director and actor. He was my best friend."

Adonis had a long career in Hollywood with 40 credits to his name, including the role of Anthony Stabile in the classic 1990 mafia film, "Goodfellas."

Frank's also known for his roles in Scorsese's other legendary movies -- "Raging Bull" and "Casino." In addition, he appeared in a bunch of other popular flicks, including "Wall Street," "True Romance" and "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective."

He is survived by his wife and their 2 children, and another daughter from a previous marriage

Frank was 83.

The house of All That Remains guitarist Oli Herbert -- located on the property where he was mysteriously found dead -- might be on the foreclosure market soon.

As we reported ... the body of the heavy metal band's co-founder was discovered in a pond near his Connecticut home on October 16. Cops were dispatched to his residence after his wife reported him missing, and after searching the area ... found Herbert reportedly facedown in inches deep water at the edge of the pond.

According to reports ... the rocker hadn't paid the mortgage on his $132k home months before his death and, in June, docs were filed as a notice of foreclosure. Herbert didn't contest it, and last week attorneys for the mortgage company filed docs to immediately repossess the home.

His wife, Elizabeth, reportedly still lives there.

Herbert's death was ruled "undetermined" by the state's Chief Medical Examiner, who said it would remain that way unless new information is revealed.

Cops are still investigating.

Herbert was one of the founders of ATR and was their lead guitarist for 20 years at the time of his death. The band announced they'd likely name his permanent replacement in 2019.

Oli was 44.

Terrible news out of Florida after a police dog was shot and killed by a suspect ... and the K9 is being credited for saving the lives of officers.

The sad incident went down on Xmas Eve in Wellington, Florida ... where Palm Beach County Sheriffs confronted several individuals cops say were wanted on attempted first-degree murder and armed robbery warrants.

According to local reports ... one of the suspects ran and that's when Cigo -- a 3-year-old canine -- gave chase. But the suspect shot Cigo before a deputy returned fire ... hitting the suspect and severely injuring him. Cigo, however, would later be pronounced dead at an animal hospital.

Shortly after Cigo's death, several tributes were posted in honor of the fallen officer. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office tweeted, "He gave his life to save others. He's a good boy and he will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace #K9Cigo."

The Sheriff's Office also posted this heartbreaking video of Cigo's handler devastated from the loss.

Diddy and his daughters posed for a super sweet pic, showing the strength of their family bond in the wake of the terrible tragedy that befell them.

Diddy and 12-year-old twins Jessie James and D'Lila Star mugged for the camera. Diddy's words ... "L O V E MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS."

TMZ broke the story ... the twins' mom, 47-year-old Kim Porter, died last month at her L.A. home. She had been battling the flu, although cause of death is still pending.

The deadly tsunami that has killed more than 220 people was captured as it hit, in a video that shows a concert decimated by the fierce wave.

The band, Seventeen, was performing at a beach resort in Tanjung Lesung, Indonesia when the tsunami struck. You see the stage collapse as audience members run for their lives.

The lead singer now says their manager and bassist died. Three other band members are missing.

The tsunami hit Saturday night, after an underwater landslide triggered a volcanic eruption.

The force of the tsunami was devastating, with 20 foot waves pounding and destroying everything in its path.

The tsunami destroyed more than 500 homes, 9 hotels, 60 restaurants and 350 boats.

The child Dikembe Mutombo flew to the U.S. to remove a massive tumor from his face has sadly died after he suffered a "rare and unpredictable genetic reaction to anesthesia" during surgery ... TMZ has learned.

8-year-old Matadi Sela Petit from the Democratic Republic of Congo died Friday night after complications from his delicate surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in L.A. ... according to The Dikembe Mutombo Foundation.

The foundation says ... "We are devastated by the loss of Matadi and our heart goes out to his father, his mother and the rest of his family, and all his old and new friends."

We broke the story ... Matadi went into cardiac arrest during his surgery and was transferred to the ICU, but we didn't know why his operation wasn't completed. Now we know it was due to his bad reaction to the anesthesia, but despite the best efforts of his medical staff ... he was never able to recover.

Matadi's operation was led by Dr. Ryan Osborne from Cedars-Sinai. Dr. Osborne volunteered his services, after being inspired by the good work of Mutumbo. The family had been staying at the Ronald McDonald House since arriving in Los Angeles last week.

As we showed you ... the former NBA star flew Matadi to the U.S. a week ago for free surgery in hopes of removing the life-threatening, massive tumor on his face. We captured their meeting at LAX.

Mutombo told us the boy had been shunned in society -- pulled out of school and secluded to his home -- because of his condition, so he wanted to help him out.

His foundation says Matadi was "was a pioneer, and his memory will inspire us to continue to develop efforts and partnerships to improve the lives of the children of the Democratic Republic of the Congo."

He was 8 years old.

12/22 12:50 PM PT -- Trina released a statement on her ex-husband's passing, saying ... "a chapter permanently closed for my sons and I. For over 16 years, Gabe Solis was an essential part of our lives."

She also apologized to friends and family who weren't aware of Gabe's situation and found out through the media ... specifically the Solis Family. Trina added ... "He was a father to my boys, a son, brother, and friend to many and I would appreciate privacy and respect as we grieve his unexpected departure."

Trina Braxton's ex-husband, Gabe Solis, has died after a battle with cancer ... TMZ has learned.

Sources tell us Solis died Thursday in Texas, where he hails from, and we're told he was surrounded by friends and family.

Trina and Gabe wed in 2003 but divorced in 2015, and their on-again, off-again relationship was a frequent topic on the family's reality show -- "Braxton Family Values" -- even after they divorced.

The former couple also appeared on an episode of "Iyanla: Fix My Life" earlier this year -- more than 2 years after their split -- to hash out their issues and work on a plan to finally move on.

In the episode, Gabe confronted Trina about her verbal abuse and bullying and let her know how it affected him during their marriage. Despite their rocky road ... the 2 remained close friends.

We're told Gabe's health issues were kept under wraps and his passing comes as a surprise to many close to the family.

He was 43.

RIP

Avicii's entire fortune will go to his parents -- who stand to inherit upwards of $25 million after his suicide.

Legal docs in his native Sweden reveal ... because the DJ was single at the time of his death and he left no will ... his mom and dad -- Anki Liden and Klas Bergling -- will inherit the massive amount of money he left behind. His accumulated wealth of 231 million Swedish Krone rounds out to roughly $25.5 mil.

We broke the story ... Avicii killed himself with a shard of broken glass this past April in the Middle Eastern country of Oman. There are conflicting accounts on where exactly he cut himself to bleed out, but we're told it was either his neck or wrist.

Avicii's parents released a statement shortly after his death that seemed to confirm heir son committed suicide, saying in part ... "He could not go on any longer. He wanted to find peace."

He was 28. RIP

David Lander will forever be indebted to the late Penny Marshall, because the beloved actress and director gave him his first major role in Hollywood.

David, who played Squiggy on the 1970s hit show "Laverne & Shirley," tells TMZ ... Penny fought hard to get David and Michael McKean cast on the show, helping convince show producers he was perfect for the part.

David tells us Penny, who played the lead role, knew the producers would never let her put David and Michael on the show unless they saw them in character, so Penny arranged for them to perform as Lenny and Squiggy in front of 100 guests at a party she was throwing with then-husband Rob Reiner.

David says he and Michael did a comedy bit about Lenny and Squiggy going to vocational school to become butlers ... there was some dirty humor, and the crowd loved it. Penny's brother, famed director Garry Marshall, heard about the bit and called the following day, offering roles to David and Michael.

David played Squiggy for all of the show's 8 seasons, and he tells us Penny "had a tremendous impression on his life."

We broke the story ... Penny died Monday following complications from diabetes. She was 75.