Boxing legend Muhammad Ali has died at age 74.
Family members confirmed his death to NBC News on Friday night.
Ali was hospitalized twice between 2014 and 2015 for a severe urinary tract infection.
It was reported Thursday that the former boxer was hospitalized in Phoenix for respiratory issues, according to a statement from a family spokesman.
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Ali was born Cassius Clay in Louisville, Kentucky, January 17 1942.
He also made history as the first boxer to win the heavyweight championship three times.
Prior to that, he won the gold medal in the 1960 Olympics.
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During his boxing career, Ali joined the Nation of Islam in 1964, settling on the name Muhammad Ali.
In 1967, he refused to serve in the military when he was drafted into the military and was outspoken against the Vietnam War. He was convicted of violating Selective Service laws and stripped of his world title and boxing license.
Ali was sentenced to five years in prison, but remained free as he appealed his case. In 1971, the Supreme Court overturned the decision.
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Throughout his career, he made several television appearances, inspired the music of many artists and left behind an array of memorable quotes.
After he retired from sports, Ali became a devoted philanthropist.
Following the 1984 announcement of his battle with Parkinson's, a degenerative neurological condition, Ali has regularly helped raise funds for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center in Phoenix. He has supported the Special Olympics and other organizations.
In 2005, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush.
When news of his death broke, tributes poured in on social media and beyond from celebrities, dignitaries, sports figures and more.
Ali is regarded as one of the greatest boxers ever, and leaves behind his wife, Yolanda, and children Rasheda Ali, Maryum Ali, Hana Ali, Asaad Amin, Jamillah Ali, Khaliah Ali, Miya Ali, Muhammad Ali Jr. retired boxer Laila Ali and three grandchildren: Biaggio Ali Walsh, Curtis Muhammad Conway Jr. and Sydney J. Conway.
