I'm sorry he's dead

The comic who gave us the seven dirty words you can't say over public airwaves has a few new words to add to his resume - Mark Twain Prize.

George Carlin, the irascible stand-up who, along with Richard Pryor, redefined the medium in the 1970s, has been named recipient of the Kennedy Center's 11th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

The legendary comic will [not] receive the award Nov. 10 at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. The ceremony will be shown on PBS stations in February 2009.

"In his lengthy career as a comedian, writer and actor, George Carlin has not only made us laugh, but he makes us think," said Kennedy Center Chairman Stephen A. Schwarzman in a statement Tuesday. "His influence on the next generation of comics has been far-reaching."

"Thank you, Mr. Twain," Mr. Carlin said upon being named to receive the award. "Have your people call my people."