Evangelist Billy Graham, also known as America's Pastor, dies at 99

Famed evangelical Christian pastor Billy Graham, a charismatic figure for decades in the US and counsellor to Presidents, died on Wednesday at the age of 99. Popularly known as the Christian evangelist, he died due to prolonged illness.

Graham dubbed as 'America's Pastor' passed away at his home in Montreat, North Carolina, his spokesman Jeremy Blume told CNN.

He had dealt with a number of illnesses in his last years, including prostate cancer, hydrocephalus and symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

In a 60-year career, he is estimated to have personally preached to 210 million people and prayed with every US President since Harry Truman.

Several Presidents, including Lyndon Johnson, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, relied closely on his spiritual counsel.