Veteran journalist Tim Russert, the host of “Meet the Press” and Washington bureau chief of NBC, died of coronary artery disease at the age of 58, NBC informed.

In a cracking, emotional voice, Tom Brokaw announced during an NBC bulletin Friday that it was his “sad duty to report” the death of his “friend and colleague Tim Russert,” who “collapsed and died while at work.”

“This news division will not be the same without his strong, clear voice,” he added.

Brokaw said Russert had just returned for his Sunday show from Italy, where he had been on vacation with his wife, Vanity Fair journalist Maureen Orth, and their son Luke, to celebrate Luke’s graduation from Boston College this spring.

Following the sad news, President Bush expressed his regret for the sudden passing away of the man who “was an institution in both news and politics for more than two decades.”

"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," Bush said in a statement, as quoted by People magazine.

Russert was reportedly prerecording a segment for this Sunday’s show, when he collapsed. NBC said Dr. Michael Newman, Russert’s physician, determined that a cholesterol plaque ruptured in an artery, blocking the blood flow to the heart. The autopsy confirmed Russert suffered from coronary artery disease and had an enlarged heart.

Russert became a known presence in the world of American politics when he started to work as a host of “Meet the Press” in 1991. He was much appreciated not only because he was an expert in journalism and politics, but also because of his love of life and enthusiastic spirit.

In 2005, Russert won an Emmy for covering the funeral of President Ronald Reagan. The journalist also wrote two best-selling books, “Big Russ and Me” in 2004, and “Wisdom of Our Fathers” in 2006.

He has been married to his wife since 1983.