Hearing right now on Hannity — Tim Russert has passed away from an apparent heart attack. The only wire story I’ve seen so far is from the NY Post (via LGF)

Tim Russert, NBC journalist and political heavyweight host of “Meet the Press,” has died after collapsing at NBC’s Washington news bureau, a source said. He was 58 years old.

UPDATE: The statement by President Bush says it well.

Laura and I are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Tim Russert. Those of us who knew and worked with Tim, his many friends, and the millions of Americans who loyally followed his career on the air will all miss him.

As the longest-serving host of the longest-running program in the history of television, he was an institution in both news and politics for more than two decades. Tim was a tough and hardworking newsman. He was always well-informed and thorough in his interviews. And he was as gregarious off the set as he was prepared on it.

Most important, Tim was a proud son and father, and Laura and I offer our deepest sympathies to his wife Maureen, his son Luke, and the entire Russert family. We will keep them in our prayers.

Everything I’ve read and heard this afternoon makes mention of Russert’s dedication and devotion to his family. Sean Hannity said that on the occasions he would run into Russert he would invariably be on the phone with his son Luke. Of course many people know of his father and their relationship through the book Big Russ and Me.

Condolences to his wife, son, Big Russ and the rest of his family and friends.