Big Tex, the icon at the Texas State Fair for six decades, has been destroyed by fire.

He wore a 75-gallon hat, with a 5 pound buckle and greeted visitors with "Howdy Folks." He became his own birthday candle while celebrating his 60th birthday this year.

Firefighters are not sure what caused the blaze but note that an electrical system controls his voice and mouth (insert your own Texas joke here).

Some wiseguys are already noting that the incident is symbolic and appropriate for the state of the defense of the University of Texas football team. It also could be noteworthy of how Oklahoma has hung more than half a hundred on Texas in the last two Red River rivalry games.

Fair organizers say he will rebuilt bigger and better.

For now, he's a skeleton of the iconic feature he was.

"So long, folks."

He did go with his boots on.

Salute.