Legendary performer Dick Van Dyke is being honored for his upcoming 98th birthday with a very special tribute, courtesy of CBS.
The network announced that next month, on December 21, they will release a special titled Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic, celebrating his career spanning over six decades, beginning with his run in the original Broadway production of Bye Bye Birdie in 1961.
The special will revisit the set of The Dick Van Dyke Show (which ran from 1961-66) and will feature special guests and musical numbers, plus archival footage showcasing some of his best remembered work, including Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
The special will come just in time to ring in the beloved entertainer's 98th birthday, which falls on December 13, although the announcement left some of his fans terrified.
An Instagram post with the news featured a promotional image of the star in sepia tone, and several of his followers mistakenly believed it to be reminiscent of an obituary portrait.
Terrified fans left comments like: "Baby, don't do this to us. We still haven't recovered from Betty White," and: "DON'T EVER DO THAT TO ME AGAIN," plus: "No, you have to put text on the photo telling us he is still alive!" as well as: "Whew. My heart stopped for a second. All I was getting was the picture and not the content."
The actor himself shared in a statement: "I started with CBS under contract in 1955 with the CBS morning show, then The Dick Van Dyke Show and Diagnosis: Murder.
"I've been with the CBS family for almost 70 years, and I couldn't be prouder. I'm incredibly honored that CBS will be throwing a 98th birthday special for me. Can't wait to be part of the show!"
WATCH: Dick Van Dyke marks personal first inside lush Malibu home: 'Never too late'
An official description of the special reads: "A Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award winner, Van Dyke has inspired generations of performers and will be honored for his contributions to the arts and entertainment.
© Getty Images"The tribute will travel back in time to the iconic set of The Dick Van Dyke Show and feature music and dance, performances, special guests and a special holiday number."
RELATED: Jackie Chan's complicated relationship with his two children explained
It continues: "The two-hour tribute event will also showcase songs and archival footage from the best of his nearly full-century career, encompassing Mary Poppins, Bye Bye Birdie, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and more."
© Getty ImagesAmong Van Dyke's variety of other honors, he was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1995 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012.
TRENDING: Beloved Chicago Fire star to exit show after upcoming 12th season – details
He was recognized as a "Disney Legend" thanks to his turn in Mary Poppins and was recognized with the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2013 and the Kennedy Center Honors in 2021.
© Getty ImagesDick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic will air on CBS from 9PM – 11PM ET on Thursday, December 21st.
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
