DALLAS (AP)--Big Tex, the 52-foot-tall metal-and-fabric cowboy that is an icon of the State Fair of Texas _ has been destroyed in a fire.

Television footage showed firefighters around the structure Friday morning. Mostly all that remained of the figure was the metal structure. The fabric that made up the structure's hands and sleeves could still be seen.

A Dallas fire spokesman didn't immediately respond to an email message seeking comment.

The fair has been celebrating Big Tex's 60th birthday this year.

With a 75-gallon hat, 50-pound belt buckle and folksy, slow drawl to greet visitors "Howdy, folks!" Big Tex has been the star of the fair since 1952.

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