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\"He’s always said, 'You have to touch the heart to teach the mind,'\" they wrote. \"Even though Dad is no longer able to travel and work in the same way, we know that his infectious enthusiasm has touched many hearts and will continue to be his legacy.\"

Hanna's daughters, Kathaleen, Julie and Suzanne, also highlighted his \"impactful\" contributions to wildlife conversation efforts through his media appearances and advocacy efforts.

They said they are \"abundantly proud to be his daughters.\"

\"PHOTO:
Walt Disney Television via Getty Images, FILE
PHOTO: Jack Hanna makes an appearance with Mary Hart on ABC's "Good Morning America," in 1987.
>

In their note, the trio also praised their mother, Suzi, who Hanna married in 1968.

\"Our mom -- Suzi -- has been by his side for 53 years in every corner of the world,\" they wrote. \"She continues to be his rock (and ours, too).\"

\"We have great respect and admiration for Mom as we move through not only this difficult time with Dad, but also Julie’s continued life-long challenges from her childhood leukemia, as she is currently recovering from major surgery,\" they added.

\"PHOTO:
Ida Mae Astute/Disney ABC Television Group
PHOTO: Jack Hanna brings an assortment of animals from the Columbus Zoo to ABC's "Good Morning America," on Nov. 4, 2015.
>

Despite his condition, Hanna's daughters said his \"great sense of humor continues to shine through\" and confirmed that \"yes -- he still wears his khakis at home.\"

The Hanna family asked for privacy during this time.

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