Pop star Robin Thicke said Tuesday night that his father, Alan Thicke, was “the greatest man I ever met.”
The “Blurred Lines” singer spoke to the Los Angeles Times shortly after news broke that his father died suddenly at age 69.
The Growing Pains star suffered cardiac arrest while playing hockey at a California rink with his youngest son Carter. Only days earlier, the Canadian actor and TV personality was in Whistler to receive an Icon Award.
On Twitter, Carter shared: "Today I lost my best friend and my idol, and the world lost one of it's finest. You are a legend and I love you Pops. Until next time."
MORE: Canadian Actor Alan Thicke Dies At 69
Calling his dad an inspiration, Robin told the Times: “The good thing was that he was beloved and he had closure. I saw him a few days ago and told him how much I loved and respected him.”
On Instagram, Robin posted a short message to his father. "He was the best man I ever knew. The best friend I ever had. Let's all rejoice and celebrate the joy he brought to every room he was in. We love you Alan Thicke. Thank you for your love. Love, your grateful son."
In 2013, after Robin’s controversial performance with Miley Cyrus at the MTV Video Music Awards, Alan told a Toronto radio station: “If I had seen the choreography or anybody had asked me in advance, I would simply have said ‘Don’t hump her twerk.
“Do the number, stand there, put your hands up in the air, let the circus perform around her — but don’t hump her twerk.”
Early last year, Alan’s wife Tanya Callau told Us Weekly that the couple uses Robin’s music to set the mood.
“When we do get freaky, we love [Robin’s song] ‘Sex Therapy,'” Callau said. “You have to admit, it’s a great song to get in the mood.”
In response, Robin tweeted: “I need you to give back all of my music. Immediately.”
Other music stars paying tribute to Alan Thicke include Demi Lovato, OneRepublic, Chaka Khan and John Legend. Russell Simmons shared that "the world has lost an icon" and singer Mark McGrath tweeted: "He was always cool and generous with his advice towards me...my condolences to the family."
Canadians Anne Murray, Howie Mandel and William Shatner are among those remembering Thicke. "He was a good man who gave me some big breaks in my early days," tweeted Mandel. "I'll miss you buddy."