Officials: "We will rebuild"

TEXAS — UPDATE (12:45pm): The video above includes audio from dispatchers as they arrived on scene at the State Fair of Texas to put the fire out.

ORIGINAL STORY (10:47am): The star and icon of the State Fair of Texas went up in flames on Friday morning. 

For 60 years, Big Tex stood 52 feet high, welcoming visitors to the Dallas annual experience. This morning his clothes, made of fabric, went up in a blaze as firefighters rushed to the scene.

What's left of the metal structure are Big Tex' hands and sleeves. His 75 gallon hat and other clothing are gone.

The State Fair star greeted visitors to the annual event with a big "Howdy, Folks!"

The voice of Big Tex, Bill Bragg, says the fair will rebuild the icon for next year's fair.

Firefighters say the blaze broke out because of an electrical issue.

Email KETK with your pics and memories of Big Tex at newsroom@ketknbc.com.