Clark had prostate surgery day before he died

Chris Haston / Getty Images Contributor

By Us Weekly

The day before Dick Clark died of a massive heart attack, he underwent prostate surgery.

According to the death certificate (obtained by TMZ), the beloved TV and radio host underwent surgery on April 17 on his prostate due to acute urinary retention.

The next morning, Clark died from a heart attack at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica at the age of 82.

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Clark's friend,?Rep. David Dreier (R-Calif.), told Extra, "He had very minor prostate surgery. All of a sudden, he got a feeling in his arm about 9:30 [Wednesday] morning and he was gone by 11:15. It turned out to be a massive heart attack."

The certificate states Clark died from acute myocardial infarction (a heart attack) and that he suffered from coronary artery disease.

His "New Year's Rockin' Eve" cohost Ryan Seacrest paid tribute to his deceased mentor on last Wednesday's episode of "American Idol."

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"We can't begin tonight's show without acknowledging the passing of a TV pioneer and my dear friend Dick Clark," Seacrest said of the "American Bandstand" host and mega-successful TV producer. "Without Dick a show like this would not exist. He will be missed greatly. I know he's in a better place, saying, 'Hey, let's get on with the show.'"

He added, "You got it, boss."

Clark is survived by three children and his third wife, Kari Wigton.

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