The news of retired Rhode Island Judge Frank Caprio's death Wednesday devastated his fans around the world and those who were close with him.

Judge Frank Caprio's death at 88 was announced to his millions of social media followers on Aug. 20. One day before the news broke, the reality star asked his fans to send him prayers as he endured a health setback in the hospital.

Though Caprio's son noted that the man known as "America's nicest judge" had great medical care throughout his journey, he said it was the love from the public that “lifted his spirits and boosted his soul to find the strength to fight on and outlive his diagnosis by a year and a half.”

Retired Providence, Rhode Island, Judge Frank Caprio, celebrated worldwide for his compassionate courtroom moments, posted a heartfelt farewell to fans in his final video before passing.

Judge Frank Caprio dead at 88, following long battle with pancreatic cancer. The former Chief Judge of the Providence Municipal Court and star of reality courtroom show Caught in Providence died yesterday.