Death
On April 18, 2012, Clark died after suffering a heart attack following surgery to fix an enlarged prostate, a transurethral resection of the prostate, at Saint John's Health Center and the Pacific Urology Institute in Santa Monica, California. Clark's family did not immediately decide on whether there would be a public memorial service, but stated "there will be no funeral". Clark was cremated on April 20, and his ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean.
Following his death, U.S. President Barack Obama praised Clark's career: "With American Bandstand, he introduced decades' worth of viewers to the music of our times. He reshaped the television landscape forever as a creative and innovative producer. And, of course, for 40 years, we welcomed him into our homes to ring in the New Year." Motown founder Berry Gordy and singer Diana Ross spoke of Clark's impact on the recording industry: "Dick was always there for me and Motown, even before there was a Motown. He was an entrepreneur, a visionary and a major force in changing pop culture and ultimately influencing integration," Gordy said. "He presented Motown and the Supremes on tour with the "Caravan of Stars" and on American Bandstand, where I got my start." Ross said.
Ryan Seacrest, who began hosting New Year's Rockin' Eve after Clark suffered a stroke, paid tribute to Clark on American Idol, which, along with Game Show Network, broadcast tributes to Clark during the week of April 22-28, 2012.
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