'Forrest Gump' author Winston Groom dies at 77

Winston Groom, the author of the renowned 1986 novel "Forrest Gump," has passed away at the age of 77.

The mayor of Fairhope, Alabama, the place where he lived, confirmed the news in a Facebook post on Friday.

Mayor Karin Wilson wrote, "It is with great sadness that I share the passing of our dear friend Winston Groom. The City of Fairhope has lost an iconic author today. Please keep his friends and family in your thoughts and prayers."

The mayor's office did not confirm details on the cause of his death.

Groom's novel inspired the film of the same name, which starred Tom Hanks and won over six Oscars in 1995.

Based on the popularity of the film, Groom sold over 1.7 million copies of his book, according to a Deadline report on Thursday.

Groom, who wrote "Forrest Gump" in just six weeks, graduated from the University of Alabama with an English degree.

He is survived by his wife, Susan. —Kaela Malig/JCB, GMA News