Fans and friends of Jim Nabors reacted to his death at age 87 on Wednesday, noting that the actor and singer was beloved by many and had been in failing health for a while.
Nabors, who played Gomer Pyle on "The Andy Griffith Show," is survived by his longtime partner of 38 years, Stan Cadwallader, whom he married in 2013 when gay marriage became legal in Washington state.
“Everybody knows he was a wonderful man. And that’s all we can say about him,” Cadwallader said, the Los Angeles Times reported. “He’s going to be dearly missed.”
“Jim and I remained close friends for 52 years,” actress Carol Burnett told The Hollywood Reporter. “He was the godfather of my daughter, Jody. Every year he was always the first guest on my variety show. I considered him my ‘good luck charm.’ My heart is heavy. I’m grateful he was a large part of my life. I miss him. I love him.”
Fans took to Twitter to express their sadness about Nabors' death as well.