Van Cliburn, the legendary classical pianist whose victory at the 1958 Tchaikovsky International Competition in Moscow led to overnight international fame, has died at the age of 78 in his Fort Worth, TX home, from bone cancer.

Van Cliburn's victory in Moscow also led to the musician becoming an unofficial ambassador for America during the Cold War, garnering good will for his home country with the Russian people and leaders alike.

"The Soviet public celebrated Cliburn not only for his artistry but for his nationality; affection for him was a safe expression of affection for America," New York Times reporter Max Frankel wrote about covering Cliburn in his 1999 memoir "The Times of My Life." Frankel added, "We now know that [Nikita S. Khrushchev, the Soviet premier] personally approved Cliburn's victory, making Van a hero at home and a symbol of a new maturity in relations between the two societies."

Twitter users quickly responded to Van Cliburn's death on Wednesday, with a zeal typically not displayed for classical musicians.

"So sad," tweeted singer Josh Groban, the top classical artist of the 2000s according to Neilsen SoundScan. "He was very kind to me."

"Legendary pianist Van Cliburn, who helped melt the Cold War, has died," wrote David Schechter.

George Foster Peabody Award-winning WNYC radio host Elliott Forrest called Van Cliburn "a great player, ground breaker and fun interview."

"One of a kind," wrote Samantha Shaddock. "His talent was a gift to this world."

See Van Cliburn's performance at the 1958 Tchaikovsky International Competition in Moscow that made him a star RIGHT HERE