TV icon Andy Griffith dies at 86

Television icon Andy Griffith died Tuesday morning at the age of 86.

UNC President Bill Friday, a close friend of Griffith, told a North Carolina TV station Griffith died at his Dare County home around 7 a.m. Tuesday.

“The Andy Griffith Show” star was reportedly taken to a North Carolina hospital.

IMDb said Griffith is also known for his work on "Matlock" and received a Tony nomination for the Broadway play “No Time for Sergeants.”

PHOTOS: Andy Griffith through the years

The actor received the Medal of Freedom from U.S. President George W. Bush in 2005.

The cause of death is unknown. Check back for updates.

His son on “The Andy Griffith Show," Opie, was played by Ron Howard .

Many fans remember the popular theme song from “The Andy Griffith Show.”  See below to watch the opening of the show.