In Jersey, we have deep affection for anyone who doesn’t run from their Jersey roots, let alone celebrates them. Bruce Springsteen. Kevin Smith. Fuck, even Bon Jovi. And, yes, even Tony Soprano, the man at the core of a show that became synonymous with the Garden State, while portraying it as a corrupt, stripper-obsessed backwater.

(Which, of course, is in no way true at all.)

As Kevin tweeted earlier tonight, James Gandolfini gave a soul to the monster at the heart of The Sopranos. The show changed television — and made people all around the world drive through a Jersey Turnpike tool booth each week during the opening credits.

There always will be a love-hate relationship between Jersey and The Sopranos; Jimmy Gandolfini was definitely part of the love. Rest in peace.