Dusty Rhodes, 'The American Dream,' dies at age 69

— -- Professional wrestling icon Dusty Rhodes, known as "The American Dream," died Thursday, the WWE announced. He was 69.

Rhodes, whose real name was Virgil Riley Runnels Jr., made his professional wrestling debut in 1968 as a tag-team partner on the Texas Outlaws with Dick Murdoch. The charismatic, bleach-blond Texan was known for his on-camera self-promotion.

He was a three-time champion of the NWA and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007. 

"Runnels became a hero to fans around the world thanks to his work ethic, his impassioned interviews and his indomitable spirit," the WWE said Thursday in a statement. "Moreover, Runnels was a dedicated father to WWE Superstars Goldust (Dustin Runnels) and Stardust (Cody Runnels), a caring husband and a creative visionary who helped shape the landscape of WWE long after his in-ring career had ended."

In addition to the NWA and WWE, Rhodes also wrestled for the AWA, WCW, Jim Crockett Promotions, ECW and TNA. His many rivals over the years included icons of the industry such as Ric Flair, Superstar Billy Graham, Tully Blanchard, Harley Race and Kevin Sullivan.

Flair tweeted his condolences.

His sons, Dustin and Cody Runnels, still wrestle for WWE.

Paul Michael Levesque, who is better known as WWE star Triple H, also tweeted his condolences.