WWE Hall of Famer Virgil Runnels, known by his wrestling name Dusty Rhodes, died Thursday at the age of 69.

Rhodes was a three-time champion in NWA, WWE.com reports. 

Rhodes was the father of two WWE superstars, Goldust (Dustin Runnels) and Stardust (Cody Runnels).

"Runnels became a hero to fans around the world thanks to his work ethic, his impassioned interviews and his indomitable spirit," a representative for WWE said in a release.

Rhodes was easily relatable to fans since his in-ring personality was created to be a "common man." Rhodes feuded with Ric Flair and his group, The Four Horsemen, Fox 10 reports.

Rhodes began wrestling in the NWA, before joining World Championship Wrestling (WCW). After being fired from the WCW, Rhodes headed to the WWE.

In the WWE, Rhodes wore polka-dotted pants and feuded with Randy "Macho Man" Savage.

After leaving the WWE in 1991, Rhodes helped the WCW and Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) with bookings. He also served as an in-ring manager for wrestlers.

The end of Rhodes' career had him appearing mostly as a booker in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and in independent circuits. Rhodes re-joined the WWE as a WWE Legend in 2005 and in 2007 was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by his two sons.

"One of our greatest passed away today," wrestler Xavier Woods tweeted. "#DustyRhodes thank you for everything you taught me. We will miss you."

WWE star Triple H, who also holds a management role in the WWE, also responded on Twitter to Rhodes' death.

Prior to Rhodes' death, he was working with up-and-coming wrestlers in WWE's developmental division WWE NXT.