Statements on Andy Griffith's death

Family of Griffith:

"Andy Griffith passed away, after an illness, during the early morning on July 3 at his home in Manteo, N.C., with his wife Cindi at his side. He was 86 years old.

Mr. Griffith has been laid to rest on his beloved Roanoke Island. His favorite causes were Outer Banks Conservationists and the Griffith Scholarship Fund at UNC-Chapel Hill."

Griffith’s wife, Cindi:

"Andy was a person of incredibly strong Christian faith and was prepared for the day he would be called Home to his Lord. He is the love of my life, my constant companion, my partner, and my best friend. I cannot imagine life without Andy, but I take comfort and strength in God's Grace and in the knowledge that Andy is at peace and with God."

Gov. Bev Perdue:

"North Carolina has lost its favorite son. Andy Griffith graciously stepped into the living rooms of generations of Americans, always with the playful charm that made him the standard by which entertainers would be measured for decades.

Throughout his career, he represented everything that was good about North Carolina: a small town boy and UNC graduate who took a light-hearted approach to some of the attributes he grew up with and turned them into a spectacularly successful career. And regardless of where that career took him, he always came back to North Carolina and spent his final years here.

In an increasingly complicated world, we all yearn for the days of Mayberry. We all will miss Andy, and I will dearly miss my friend."

U.S. Sen. Richard Burr:

"Brooke and I were very sad to learn of the passing of Andy Griffith today.  Andy was a true North Carolina icon who introduced many people across the country and across the world to our great state for the first time.  While his passing is sad, the legacy he leaves through his work on television and in his community will remain timeless, and future generations will be able to enjoy and appreciate his talent for years to come." 

Tanya Jones, executive director of the Surry Arts Council:

"We are broken hearted.  Andy Griffith means the world to the arts everywhere - not just here in Mount Airy. His contribution to us, the Surry Arts Council, and the town of Mount Airy cannot be measured.  We are blessed to have known him.  We will cherish is his art, his music, his talent, and of course, our beloved Andy Griffith Show.  Our prayers and love go out to Cindi.  We know that Andy is at peace and that is what is important right now."

WSOC