UPDATED 4:43 p.m.

Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Multiple media reports in the Chicago area are saying that former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar has died.  He was 79.

Edgar announced in February he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

“Doctors at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago have determined I have pancreatic cancer that has spread,” Edgar said, in a statement.  “They and physicians at Mayo Clinic are coordinating on a treatment regimen that I am following initially in Arizona, where we spend the winter, and later in Springfield when we return. We do not underestimate this challenge, but we have confidence in the medical team helping us address it. Brenda and I remain hopeful, and we are grateful for the kindness of so many who have offered their prayers and support.”

Edgar served as Illinois’ 38th governor from 1991 – 1999. Prior to his two terms as governor, he served as Secretary of State and in the Illinois House of Representatives.

According to CBS News Chicago, Edgar was born in Oklahoma but grew up in Charleston.  He met his wife, Brenda, while at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, where he graduated.

In recent years, according to CBS News Chicago, while a Republican, Edgar campaigned for Presidential candidate Kamala Harris, calling opponent, current President Donald Trump, “the biggest disaster we’ve ever had in American government” in an interview with the station.

Also earlier this year, through current Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, the Illinois State Library in Springfield dedicated the “Jim Edgar Reading Room.”

Funeral services for Edgar have not been announced.

Illinois politicians react

Here are some of the reactions of Illinois politicians on the death of former Gov. Jim Edgar.

“MK and I are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Governor Jim Edgar. Governor Edgar was a model public servant, a devoted father and husband, and an honest and honorable man. I was lucky enough to consider him a friend and mentor and have found myself drawing from his words of wisdom on countless occasions. His commitment to reaching across the aisle in service of the people of Illinois undeniably made our state better. Now more than ever, we should channel that spirit and resolve to live as Governor Edgar did: with honesty, integrity, and an enduring respect for all. He will live on in the incalculable number of lives he touched and in the stronger institutions he helped build. To honor his legacy, I will direct flags across Illinois to half-staff. My thoughts are with Brenda, Brad, Elizabeth, and his entire family. May his memory be a blessing.” — Gov. JB Pritzker

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jim Edgar. As one of our greatest governors, he increased adoptions of foster children by 500 percent, reformed welfare, and heightened sentences for murderers and sex offenders. I first met him when I was a young man while my mother was serving as his director of personnel at the Secretary of State’s Office. Governor Edgar is one of the people that inspired me to enter into public service. He worked tirelessly to encourage the next generation of leaders and was always available to speak with the high school students taking part in my Youth Advisory Council. I was honored to be an Edgar Fellow. My family and I send our deepest condolences to Brenda Edgar and the entire Edgar family.” — State Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield)

“Gov. Jim Edgar was a good and decent man who cared deeply about the people of Illinois. He believed in property tax reform and a quality education for everyone. May God rest his immortal soul.” — Former Gov. Pat Quinn

“Gov. Edgar was a gentleman and a statesman. He broke with his party when he felt it was right for the state. He didn’t put partisanship above the state. He bravely faced health challenges and did not stop serving Illinois once his time in office ended. Gov. Edgar worked to bring people together across the aisle to learn about policy and share good ideas. I was honored to be part of the inaugural class of Edgar Fellows in 2012. We related to each other as Downstaters. He was always open to discussing and offering advice or help, and I am grateful for that and his service to Illinois.” — Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs

“Please join Cindy and me in keeping the family of Governor Jim Edgar in your prayers. While we certainly found ourselves on opposite sides of issues from time to time, I have always had a tremendous respect for the decades of public service he gave to the people of Illinois. From his time as Secretary of State to his two terms as Governor, Jim Edgar led with a steady hand and a deep commitment to the institutions of our state. He was a man of integrity and strong moral character who dedicated his career to public service. His contributions to Illinois will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time of loss. We are grateful for his years of leadership and the example of service he leaves behind.” — Former Gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey

“Jim Edgar was an amazing man and an incredible public servant. More importantly, he was a great friend and advisor to me. His leadership will be missed, his friendship even more so. My family and I send our deepest condolences to his family. Jim spoke frequently about the importance of the ‘Three C’s’: Civility, Compromise and Compassion – words that resonate more than ever today. Together, he believed they served as the foundation of a healthy democracy, knowing that as Americans, we work best when we collaborate and work out our differences, show compassion toward those who need help, and treat one another with respect and dignity. For Jim, compromise was not surrender; compassion was not weakness; and civility was not placation. Together, these principles give us the space to stand firm in our beliefs and to speak passionately without being disrespected, dehumanized or attacked. As we mourn his death, we can honor Jim by choosing to believe that – regardless of our differences – a better world is possible through kindness. While the need for a civil, a collaborative and a compassionate political climate is more important than ever with today’s polarizing politics – the duty and responsibility of restoring the Three Cs begins with each one of us.” — IL Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias

This story will be updated when more details become available. Hear from some of those who new Jim Edgar Monday on the WTAX Morning Newswatch, 5:30-9am.