Stephen R. Covey, a globally renowned speaker, business advisor, and author of the best-selling book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People has died. He was 79.

As co-founder of Utah-based professional services company FranklinCovey, Dr. Covey was a well-known thought leader, with expertise on such organizational issues as trust, leadership, ethics, and high performance. Once named one of Time magazine's 25 most influential Americans, according to his biography, Dr. Covey "made teaching principle-centered living and principle-centered leadership his life's work."

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People has been named one of the most influential management books by several organizations, including Time and Forbes magazines. Other best-sellers by Covey include First Things First, Principle-Centered Leadership, and The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness. 

Dr. Covey received an MBA from Harvard and a doctorate from Brigham Young University, where he was professor of organizational behavior and business management. His many awards include the Thomas More College Medallion for continued service to humanity and the Mc-Feely Award from the International Management Council for significant contributions to management and education.

Dr. Covey's family has issued a statement saying he died from residual effects of an April bicycle accident. From the family: “In his final hours, he was surrounded by his loving wife and each one of his children and their spouses, just as he always wanted. His message will continue to inspire and educate generations to come.”