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The MTV VMAs paid tribute to Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman, after it was revealed that he had lost his secret battle with colon cancer.

VMA show host Keke Palmer honored the 43-year-old actor at the beginning of the show, calling him a “true hero” in her short but moving speech…

“Before we get into the music tonight, we need to talk about the devastating loss of Chadwick Boseman, an actor whose talent and passion is a true inspiration to all the fans he touched and everyone he encountered,” she began.

“We dedicate tonight’s show to a man whose spirit touched so many. He is a true hero. Not just on-screen but in everything he did. His impact lives forever.”

Chadwick Boseman’s death was confirmed on Friday August 28 in a statement shared to social media. The statement confirmed that the 43-year-old actor had been secretly battling colon cancer for the last four years…

“It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman. Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV,” read the statement.

“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much.

“From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.

“It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.”

ABC will also pay tribute to the star with a television presentation of Black Panther, and a special ABC News segment called, Chadwick Boseman—A Tribute for a King.

“The ABC News special will celebrate Boseman’s storied life, legacy and career and the cultural imprint he made on- and off-screen,” ABC said in a press release.

“It will feature tributes that have poured in from celebrities, political figures and fans across the world, special words from those who starred alongside him and knew Boseman best, and shine a light on the medical condition he privately battled.”

RIP Chadwick Boseman – you will never be forgotten!