Oscar de la Renta, Legendary Fashion Designer, Dead at 82

De la Renta died at home Monday evening in Connecticut surrounded by family and friends and "more than a few dogs," according to a handwritten statement signed by two of his company's executives, stepdaughter Eliza Reed Bolen and Alex Bolen.

"While our hearts are broken by the idea of life without Oscar, he is still very much us. Oscar's hard work, his intelligence and his love of life are at the heart of our company," the statement said. "All that we have done, and all that we will do, is informed by his values and his spirit. Through Oscar's example we know the way forward. We will make Oscar very proud of us by continuing in an even stronger way the work that Oscar loved so much."

De La Renta's gowns were worn by countless celebrities, royal family members around the world, politicians, and the wives of presidents and prime ministers. Included in that list were U.S. first ladies Jacqueline Onassis, Nancy Reagan, Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush and Michelle Obama. (CBC)