Huell Howser, Host of California's Gold, Dead at 67

"We are deeply saddened by the news of Huell's passing," his home station, KCET, said Monday in a statement

UPDATE: Howser's cause of death was prostate cancer, according to his death certificate obtained by TMZ.

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California is a little less golden today. Huell Howser, beloved host of California's Gold among other television programs, has died. He was 67.

"We are deeply saddened by the news of Huell's passing. This is a tremendous personal and professional loss to his friends and colleagues, as well as his legions of fans," Los Angeles television station KCET, the home of Howser's travel shows, said Monday in a statement.

The eternally curious host was celebrated for his love of all things California. In addition to California's Gold, Howser was also behind the shows California's Golden Parks, Road Trip With Huell Howser, Visiting…With Huell Howser and more. The seasoned TV man wrote, produced and edited most of his programs. In late November, he announced his retirement.  

Often visiting famous—and not-so-famous—California landmarks, Howser approached each episode with his trademark enthusiasm. "That's amazing," he would muse in his Tennessee drawl during tours of historic sites and cat litter factories alike.

Howser's fanbase was wide—in addition to California viewers tuning in to his programs, the host was lovingly spoofed on an episode of The Simpsons.

(Originally published Jan. 7, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. PT)