Larry Hagman Dies: 'I Dream of Jeannie' Co-Star Barbara Eden Mourns 'Dallas' Star's Death With Touching Facebook Memorial

Actor Larry Hagman, who played ruthless oil tycoon J.R. Ewing on the popular long-running primetime soap opera "Dallas," died from throat cancer complications on Friday, Nov. 23 at 81. Hagman's family recently said in a touching public statement sent to the Dallas Morning News - "When he passed, he was surrounded by loved ones. It was a peaceful passing, just as he had wished for. The family requests privacy at this time." Many of Hagman's close friends and associates have also expressed their heartfelt condolences over the "Nixon" star's passing, including "I Dream of Jennie" co-star Barbara Eden.

Hagman, who starred in the original "Dallas" soap from 1978-1991, also signed on to take part in TNT's reboot of the show (which is currently filming its second season). In 2011, Hagman announced that he had stage two throat cancer - he was also diagnosed with liver cancer back in 1995 for which he had to receive a life-saving liver transplant. Hagman passed away at the Medical City Dallas Hospital on Friday after complications arose from his ongoing battle with such cancer.

"This is so sad. Larry was really someone who was loved by everyone, me especially," Hagman's agent Joel Dean told People magazine. "He was the most loving, wonderful, generous man. And he was a true trouper."

Along with starring as the amiable (yet villainous) J.R. Ewing, Hagman co-starred with Barbara Eden as astronaut Major Anthony Nelson on the popular 1960s-70s NBC sitcom "I Dream of Jeannie." Eden recently posted this touching message on Facebook in honor of her late friend and colleague:

"As I received the news this evening and as you read this I still cannot completely express the shock and impact from the news that Larry Hagman has passed. I can still remember, that first day on Zuma Beach with him, in the frigid cold. From that day for five more years, Larry was the center of so many fun, wild, shocking... and in retrospect, memorable moments that will remain in my heart forever.

He was such a key element in my life for so long and even, years after I Dream of Jeannie; our paths crossed many times. Throughout various productions I had the pleasure of watching the Texas Tornado that was Larry Hagman. Amidst a whirlwind of big laughs, big smiles and unrestrained personality Larry was always, simply Larry. You couldn't fault him for it, it was just who he was. I am so thankful that this past year I was able to spend time with him and experience yet again 'Larry' in all his Big Texas bravado.

I, like many others believed he had beat Cancer and yet we are reminded that life is never guaranteed. My deepest condolences go out to his wife Maj, his son and daughter and his grandchildren, as well as his friends in this time of his passing. I can honestly say that we've lost not just a great actor, not just a television icon, but an element of pure Americana.

Goodbye Larry, there was no one like you before and there will never be anyone like you again."

Those close to Hagman say that he knew the end was coming soon but that he was glad to have his loved ones in town for Thanksgiving.

Hagman (son of beloved Broadway star Mary Martin) is survived by his wife of 54 years Maj Hagman and their two children along with several grandchildren.