LAS VEGAS –  Billionaire Kirk Kerkorian, who built massive hotels in Las Vegas and bought and sold the MGM movie studio multiple times, died Monday at age 98.

A look at reaction to his death:

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“I knew that Kirk was failing because he and I were supposed to go watch the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight. … If you’re a hotel owner, you get a lot of stuff. Not Kirk Kerkorian. He would not take a comp for anything. Everything he paid for. One of the last times he went to a fight, he also would not sit at ringside. He wanted to be up away from everybody.” — U.S. Sen. Harry Reid

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“In an industry that thrives on innovation, Kirk Kerkorian was a pioneer who set a higher standard for gaming and elevated Las Vegas’ stature with each move he made.” — American Gaming Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman

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“Personally, he was a friend and coach, who taught me the importance in looking forward, and to look back only to understand how things could be done better.” — Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International

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“Few of us can say we contributed as much as he did. On every level, his life mattered big time.” — Patty Glaser, his attorney of four decades

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“He never got the attention that went to Howard Hughes, who recoiled from it, or Steve Wynn, who enjoys it. Kerkorian just wanted to live his life quietly and well, and he succeeded. … Before he went into resort ownership, he flew gamblers to and from Las Vegas and was a high-roller in his own right — and as his career on and off the Strip demonstrates, he knew how to gamble and win.” — Michael Green, UNLV history professor

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“Immigrant, entrepreneur, aviator, business leader and philanthropist, Mr. Kerkorian was one of a kind. Not only did he epitomize the American dream, his visionary and gutsy business leadership shaped Las Vegas and set the course for our city to flourish in tourism, gaming and hospitality.” — Kristin McMillan, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce

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“He will be remembered as a man who saw what our city could be and dedicated himself to taking it there.” — Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

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“I first met him in 1966 when I was working at Caesars Palace. … We shared a love for tennis, and I also recall seeing him at the always fabulous New Year’s Eve parties Phyllis McGuire’s home.” — Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman