( CNN ) -- Paul Harvey , the legendary radio host whose career sharing `` the rest of the story '' with listeners spanned more than 70 years , has died , according to ABC Radio Networks . Paul Harvey received the Medal of Freedom from President Bush in 2005 . He was 90 . Harvey died at a hospital in Phoenix , Arizona , where he kept a winter home , said Louis Adams , a spokesman for the networks . He was surrounded by family members when he died , Adams said . Known for his deliberate delivery and pregnant pauses , Harvey 's broadcasts were heard on more than 1,200 radio stations and 400 Armed Forces networks and his commentaries appeared in 300 newspapers , according to his Web site . iReport.com : Share your memories of Paul Harvey . He had been hosting his radio shows part-time for much of the past year , after recovering from physical ailments including pneumonia and the death of his wife , Lynne `` Angel '' Harvey , in May 2008 . `` My father and mother created from thin air what one day became radio and television news , '' said Harvey 's son , Paul Harvey Jr. , in a written statement . `` So , in the past year , an industry has lost its godparents and today millions have lost a friend . '' Born in Tulsa , Oklahoma , Harvey began his radio career in 1933 at KVOO-AM there while he was still in high school , his Web site says . He helped clean the station and was eventually was allowed to fill in on air , reading news and commercials . Watch how Paul Harvey Aurandt got into broadcasting » . `` Paul Harvey was one of the most gifted and beloved broadcasters in our nation 's history , '' ABC Radio Networks President Jim Robinson said in a written statement . `` As he delivered the news each day with his own unique style and commentary , his voice became a trusted friend in American households . '' Some critics faulted Harvey for the way he seamlessly intertwined news stories with advertisements , which he often read in his own voice in the middle of a story . But his accolades were plentiful -- from his 1990 induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame to receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from then-President George W. Bush in 2005 . `` Paul was a friendly and familiar voice in the lives of millions of Americans , '' Bush said Saturday in a written statement . `` His commentary entertained , enlightened , and informed . Laura and I are pleased to have known this fine man , and our thoughts and prayers are with his family . '' The cause of Harvey 's death was not immediately known . He was forced off the air temporarily in 2001 because of a virus that weakened a vocal cord . CNN 's Doug Gross contributed to this report .
The 90-year - old coined the phrase ` ` And now , the rest of the world . '' Harvey was known for his deliberate drinking and pregnant wife . Recovering from ailments , he had been hosting his radio shows full - time . Harvey 's broadcasts were heard on more than 1,200 radio stations .