Actor, television host and politician Edu Manzano said on Twitter "Heaven became a happier place today. The angels will be laughing together with our one and only King of Comedy. Rest in peace, friend."
Dolphy, born Rodolfo Quizon Sr. in Tondo, Manila on July 25, 1928, passed away at the Makati Medical Center (MMC)due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Dolphy was embraced by the Philippines for his jokes as he appeared in various films and television shows such as "John en Marsha."
One of Dolphy's sons, Eric Quizon, an actor, said about his father just after midnight on Wednesday: "He lived a full life. He's at rest. He's at peace. He knew as he was going how much the country loved him."
Dolphy has been confined at the MMC since June 9 due to difficulty in breathing, pneumonia, and kidney ailments.
"He knew how everyone was praying for him. And if he could, he would have stayed just so he could thank you personally. But where his spirit was strong, his body had so weakened. He had to go,” Eric said.
"Pray for his eternal repose and in his honor, please smile at the person standing next to you. Heaven is a happier place with him there. And for us whom he's left behind, comedy is dead but long live comedy," he said.
On Twitter, Filipinos here and abroad tweeted their reaction to Dolphy's death:
Boy 2 Quizon: "I love you lolo!"
Bruno Mars: “RIP Dolphy. King of Comedy. Made in the Philippines!”
Lea Salonga: “RIP, Comedy King. You are sorely missed. Condolences to the Quizon Family, you are in our prayers.”
KC Montero: "Dolphy has them all laughing"
Tim Yap: “A moment of silence for The King of Comedy. RIP Mang Dolphy.”
Jim Paredes: "Farewell King of Comedy.. We love you. Salamat sa lahat..Naiiyak ako..."
Bea Binene: "May you rest in peace, The Great Dolphy. R.I.P."
Allan K.: "They say its not how long but how sweet you have lived life. Dolphy had the luxury of enjoying both. Rest in peace now. Hail to the king!!!"
Sharon Cuneta: P.9 my beloved Tito Dolphy. I will continue to do my best to follow the beautiful example you set for all of us, even when you didn't"
Vice-Ganda: "Lord we thank you for giving us THE DOLPHY who unselfishly and passionately dedicated his whole life to make this world happy. Amen."
Pia Magalona: "RIP Tito Dolphy. Thank you for being family to me and Francis. We love you <3"
Clara Magalona: "RIP Dolphy ☹ You have made lots of Filipinos smile because of your comedy. Our prayers are with you †"
Edu Manzano: Thank you for paving the way for those of us who tried to walk the path you made. You will be missed, my mentor and friend.
