Patrick Duffy's touching response to Larry Hagman's passing

Earlier today, Larry Hagman's longtime friend and 'Dallas' co-star Patrick Duffy released an official statement regarding Hagman's passing. Hagman, who played 'Dallas' villain J.R. Ewing for decades, died after a year-long battle with cancer. He was eighty-one years old.

Duffy shared the screen as J.R.'s brother Bobby Ewing for a whopping fourteen seasons of 'Dallas' original run, not to mention two TV-movies and two seasons of the new sequel series on TNT. Duffy, who was like a brother to Hagman in real life, was by his friend's bedside when he passed earlier this week. He released the following statement earlier this morning:

"Friday I lost one of the greatest friends ever to grace my life. The loneliness is only what is difficult, as Larry’s peace and comfort is always what is important to me, now as when he was here. He was a fighter in the gentlest way, against his obstacles and for his friends. I wear his friendship with honor."

'Dallas' returns to TNT for a second season in January 2013. Hagman filmed six yet-to-be-relased episodes before his tragic passing.