Author Stephen R. Covey dies in Idaho

By Ann Oldenburg, USA TODAY

Posted July 16, 2012

One of the most famous business/self-help book authors of our time, Stephen R. Covey, has died.

The former Brigham Young University business management professor, who was born in Salt Lake City and jumped to fame and fortune with the publication in 1989 of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, died this morning, reports AP.

The Salt Lake Tribune says Covey died at the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls from the residual effects of a bicycle accident in April, his family said. He was 80.

Covey, who has nine children and 52 grandchildren, was surrounded by his wife, Sandra, and his children at the time of his death.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude for all of the love and prayers that have been showered upon Stephen and our family from all around the globe over the past several months," the family wrote in a statement.

Covey, who was raised on an egg farm, earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Utah, an MBA from Harvard University and a doctorate from Brigham Young University.

As for his 7 Habits? The book has spent 512 weeks on USA TODAY's Best-Selling Books List -- only To Kill a Mockingbird and The Catcher in the Rye have spent more time on the list.