Italy bids farewell to beloved television icon.Pippo Baudo, a legendary television presenter watched by generations of Italian audiences, died at a private hospital in Rome on Saturday evening at the age of 89.  Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni led tributes to the veteran host, hailing him as "one of the greatest protagonists in the history of Italian television.   "His face and voice have accompanied entire generations, giving emotions, smiles, and unforgettable moments" - Meloni wrote on X - "Thank you for everything."   In a statement, Italian president Sergio Mattarella recalled Baudo's "professionalism, culture, kindness, and extraordinary ability to interpret the tastes and expectations of Italian viewers."   Baudo's death has received blanket coverage in Italy, with state broadcaster RAI remembering him as "the king of Italian television" and multiple newspapers referring to him as a "giant" of the small screen.   Born on 7 June 1936 near Catania in Sicily, Baudo's career began in the 1950s and spanned more than six decades.   He rose to national fame came in the 1960s with his work on the popular variety show Canzonissima and went on to host countless successful programmes including Fantastico, Domenica In, and the prestigious Sanremo Music Festival, which he has hosted a record 13 times.   His charismatic and professional on-screen presence, combined with his distinctive voice and catchphrases, made him a household name in Italy.   Baudo was also instrumental in discovering and launching the careers of numerous notable Italian artists, including singers Laura Pausini, Giorgia and Eros Ramazzotti.   During a live broadcast of the TG1 newscast on Saturday night, a tearful Mara Venier, who took over from Baudo as Domenica In host, remembered her friend and colleague as a role model for her both professionally and personally.   "This news was devastating for me" - Venier said - "I wasn't expecting it, even though I knew he wasn't well. He was always close to me; he was a part of my life."   Married twice, Baudo had two children, Alessandro and Tiziana, and became a great-grandfather in 2010.   Cover image: Pippo Baudo during the 69th Sanremo Song Contest at Teatro Ariston in Sanremo, Italy. Photo credit: Andrea Raffin / Shutterstock.com.