Frank Deford, iconic American sports writer, dies at 78

Legendary sports writer Frank Deford has died, CBS News confirms. He was 78.

His wife, Carol Deford, says that he died Sunday in Key West, Florida.

Deford was a six-time Sports Writer of the Year and a member of the National Association of Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame. He wrote with a lyrical elegance and was best known for his work at Sports Illustrated and on National Public Radio. He retired this month from NPR's "Morning Edition" after 37 years as a contributor.

He was the first sports writer awarded the National Humanities Medal. In 2013, President Barack Obama honored him for "transforming how we think about sports." Deford called the award the one he is most proud of.

Deford was a prolific book author and contributed commentaries to HBO's "Real Sports" program.

Deford is survived by his wife, the former fashion model Carol Penner, two children, and two grandchildren. Deford's eldest daughter died at the age of 8 from cystic fibrosis -- a disease that Deford devoted much of his life to fighting through charitable endeavor, according to CBS Sports.

The sports world on Monday posted tributes to Deford on social media.