Author Stephen Covey , whose `` The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People '' sold more than 20 million copies , died Monday at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center , a hospital spokeswoman said . He was 79 . Covey 's family issued a statement , reported by CNN affiliate KSL , saying he died from residual effects of an April bicycle accident . `` In his final hours , he was surrounded by his loving wife and each one ( of ) his children and their spouses , just as he always wanted , '' the statement said , according to KSL . Covey was `` one of the world 's foremost leadership authorities , organizational experts and thought leaders , '' according to a biography posted on the website of his 2011 book , `` The 3rd Alternative . '' Other best-sellers by Covey include `` First Things First , '' `` Principle-Centered Leadership , '' and `` The 8th Habit : From Effectiveness to Greatness , '' according to the biography . `` The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People '' has been named one of the most influential management books by several organizations , including Time and Forbes magazines . The audio book is the best-selling nonfiction audio in history , according to the website . Named in 1996 as one of Time magazine 's 25 most influential Americans , according to the biography , Covey `` made teaching principle-centered living and principle-centered leadership his life 's work . '' Utah Gov . Gary Herbert released a statement saying he was `` saddened '' to hear of the death of Covey , a `` good friend . '' `` His combination of intellect and empathy made him a truly unique and visionary individual , '' Herbert said . `` The skills he taught , and importantly , the personal example provided by the life he led , will continue to bless the lives of many . Our hearts go out to his beloved wife Sandra and the entire Covey family . '' Covey held a bachelor 's degree in business administration from the University of Utah , a master 's in business administration from Harvard and a doctorate from Brigham Young University . He also received 10 honorary doctorate degrees , his biography said . He founded Covey Leadership Center , which in 1997 merged with Franklin Quest to create FranklinCovey Co . The company is a `` global consulting and training leader in the areas of strategy execution , leadership , customer loyalty , sales performance , school transformation and individual effectiveness , '' with 44 offices in 147 countries , according to the website . `` From the time of the merger to his retirement from the board last year , Dr . Covey devoted essentially all of his time and effort to writing and teaching , '' FranklinCovey said in a news release . `` We lost a dear friend today , '' Bob Whitman , chairman and CEO of FranklinCovey , said in the news release . `` Stephen was one of the world 's great human beings . His impact is incalculable and his influence will continue to inspire generations to come . '' In 2010 , Covey joined Utah State University 's Jon M. Huntsman School of Business faculty as a tenured full professor , the biography said . Covey and his wife , Sandra , lived in Provo , Utah . He was a father of nine , a grandfather of 52 and a great-grandfather of two , according to the website . `` Stephen frequently referred to them as his greatest joy , inspiration , and most significant contribution and legacy to the world , '' Whitman said in the news release . Among the honors he received , the release said , were the Fatherhood Award from the National Fatherhood Initiative , the Sikh 's International Man of Peace Award , and The National Entrepreneur of the Year Lifetime Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership . Stephen Covey inspired 'Highly Effective ' lives .
Whitman died April at an Utah hospital . Death was from effects stemming from an early Monday bicycle accident , his family says . He was a co-founder of Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center .