WWE legend Dusty Rhodes dies at age 69

Legendary professional wrestler Virgil Runnels Jr., better known as his ring name Dusty Rhodes, died on Thursday at the age of 69.

Legendary professional wrestler Virgil Runnels Jr., better known by his ring name "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, died on Thursday at the age of 69, the WWE confirmed.

Rhodes was one of wrestling's biggest stars as it exploded in popularity in the 1980s. He spent time in all of the major promotions, including the WWF (now WWE) and WCW, where he also served as a creative consultant and booker.

The WWE Hall of Fame inductee is also the father of two current WWE superstars, Dustin "Goldust" Runnels and Garrett "Stardust" Runnels, and still worked with the company training up-and-coming wrestlers and developing storylines.

Many members of the wrestling community tweeted out their condolences upon hearing the news.

#RIPDustyRhodes We never got to shoot our angle together! Thank you for everything, I Love You. #HallofFamer #Legend pic.twitter.com/rN2YeVNv5b

— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) June 11, 2015

I was ever so fortunate to be a friend to this man, to learn from him as a performer and as a human being. #RIPDusty pic.twitter.com/GH0e1isGxw

— Seth Rollins (@WWERollins) June 11, 2015

Shocked. Honored to have performed this in from of him http://t.co/QQpOW06v8H #RIPDream

— Miro (@ToBeMiro) June 11, 2015

One of our greatest passed away today. #DustyRhodes thank you for everything you taught me. We will miss you. http://t.co/D5pAbdTIbg

— Austin Creed (@AustinCreedWins) June 11, 2015

Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Dusty Rhodes today. There will never,ever be another one like The Dream!! RIP...

— Howard Finkel (@howardfinkel) June 11, 2015

Saddened to hear the passing of Dusty Rhodes. Legend, teacher, mentor, friend...Love you Dream #BookinAintEasyKid pic.twitter.com/ZxlGSgKB8J

— Triple H (@TripleH) June 11, 2015