William F. Buckley (2004 photo)

Conservative American writer and commentator William F. Buckley, Jr. has died. He was 82.

The magazine he founded, the National Review, says he was found dead in his home in. He had been ill with emphysema.

In a statement, President Bush said the United States has lost one of its finest writers and thinkers, saying Buckley was one of the great founders of the modern conservative movement.

Buckley became famous as an intellectual conservative, who used his droll wit to lampoon liberalism. A syndicated columnist and author of more than 40 books, he also made frequent television appearances and hosted the long-running show Firing Line.

An item on the National Review's website says Buckley died while working in his study, saying that given the choice, he would have wanted to depart this world exactly as he did, at home, still devoted to the war of ideas.

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino says Buckley was a long-time friend of the Bush family and that the Buckley family is in their thoughts and prayers.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.