Roy Clark, 'Hee Haw' host, dies at 85

(CNN) Roy Clark, a country music star and former host of the long-running TV series "Hee Haw," died Thursday, his publicist told CNN.

He was 85.

Clark died of complications from pneumonia at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, according to publicist Sandy Brokaw.

Raised in Washington D.C., the guitarist and banjo player began his musical career as a young teen. He made his first appearance at the Grand Ole Opry at age 17.

Band gigs led to television appearances on "The Tonight Show" and "American Bandstand"

In 1969, Clark and Buck Owens were tapped to co-host "Hee Haw." The country music and comedy show aired in syndication for more than two decades, with Clark as host or co-host its entire run.

In a tribute to Clark sent by his representatives, they shared some quotes from the country star about his career.

"A TV camera goes right through your soul," Clark said of his screen work. "If you're a bad person, people pick that up. I'm a firm believer in smiles. I used to believe that everything had to be a belly laugh. But I've come to realize that a real sincere smile is mighty powerful."

With hits like "The Tips of My Fingers" and "Yesterday, When I Was Young," Clark was one of the first cross-over artists to land singles on both the country and pop charts.

In 1982, Clark won a Grammy for best country instrumental performance for "Alabama Jubilee." He was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry

"Soon as you hit the edge of the stage and see people smiling and know they're there to hear you, it's time to have fun," Clark once said about performing. "I keep a band of great young people around me, and we're not musically restrained. It's not about 'let's do it correct' but 'let's do it right.'"

Clark ended each of his performances with a humorous note of appreciation: "We had to come, but you had a choice. Thanks for being here."

He is survived by extensive family and his wife of 61 years, Barbara.

A memorial celebration is planned in Tulsa in the coming days, according to Clark's representative.

RIP. Loved him as "Wild Willie Boggs" on The Odd Couple.

really under-rated guitarist.

RIP

This picture reminds me of Jimbo, who was a big Odd Couple fan.

I didn't watch Hee Haw, but I knew who Roy Clark was from his numerous appearances on this and other shows (for some reason, I'm remembering him on The Muppet Show) and I always admired his banjo technique.

A true musician.

I grew up watching Hee Haw as a kid and now I watch reruns every Sunday night on cable. I've always loved Roy Clark. Extremely talented---I realize even more so now that I play guitar. Very happy guy. Loved Buck Owens, too, on the show. True entertainers.

Our whole family quotes Odd Couple lines on a daily basis. By brother Mick just flew in to BWI on Spirit airlines and compared it to Pop Belkon airlines. Jim had the Odd Couple marathon playing the whole time we were there last Christmas. We loved the Roy Clark episode. He will be missed.