Director David Lynch, renowned for Twin Peaks and Blue Velvet, has passed away at the age of 78. His family shared the heartbreaking news on social media on Thursday.

The four-time Oscar-nominated filmmaker had been struggling with ill health in recent years and was largely homebound due to emphysema.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, his family wrote: “It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch. We would appreciate some privacy at this time. There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us.”

They concluded with a nod to Lynch’s characteristic optimism: “As he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.’ It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.”

Lynch is survived by his wife, Emily Stofle, and his children: Jennifer, 56, from his first marriage to Peggy Reavey; Riley, 42, and Austin, 33, from his marriage to Mary Fisk; and Lula, 12, from his relationship with Stofle. Lynch and Stofle separated in December 2023.

From 2006 to 2007, Lynch was also married to Mary Sweeney. His passing marks the loss of a visionary artist whose work profoundly shaped modern cinema and television.