NBC Washington bureau chief and legendary moderator of Sunday’s “Meet the Press” Tim Russert died today of an apparent heart attack. He was 58. Russert was known as a shrewd observer of national politics, a fiercely independent journalist, and a devoted family man.

He was “one of the premier political journalists and analysts of our time,” said Tom Brokaw, former anchor of NBC’s Nightly News and a close personal friend of Russert’s. “This news organization will not be the same without his clear, strong voice.”

In addition to his work as host of “Meet the Press,” Russert also served as a political analyst for the NBC Nightly News and the “Today” show, and was the author of two bestselling books - “Big Russ and Me” (2004) and “Wisdom of Our Fathers” (2006). Russert had taken over duties as host of “Meet the Press” in 1991. The show is the longest running program in television history.

Russert was the recipient of 48 honorary doctorates and in 2008 was named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by TIME Magazine. He is survived by his wife, Maureen Orth, a writer for Vanity Fair magazine, and their son, Luke, a recent graduate of Boston College.