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Actress, businesswoman, and author Suzanne Somers has passed away at age 76. According to USA Today, the actress passed away on Sunday, October 15 — the day before her 77th birthday.
USA Today reports that Somers passed away early Sunday morning surrounded by her family. The news was publicly revealed by the actress’s longtime publicist, R. Couri Hay, in a statement to PEOPLE that same day.
Additionally, Hay shared that Somers passed away after battling an “aggressive form of breast cancer” for more than 23 years.
“Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of October 15th. She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years. Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family. Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on October 16th. Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.”
In a separate statement, Hays shared that Somers was “very engaged right to the end.”
“There were all these plans and she was always working and dreaming and had brought her family into the business, and the grandchildren and step-children were all part of the business,” Hays explained to PEOPLE. “[She was] very engaged right to the end.”
According to Somers’ publicist, the actress will be buried in a “private family” ceremony this week. Then, a memorial will be held to honor Somers in November.
Tributes for the late actress began to pour in after news of her death became public. Singer, songwriter, and Somers’ friend of over 40 years, Barry Manilow, reflected on her passing and their relationship in an exclusive statement to PEOPLE.
“Suzanne and I were friends for decades. She was the sister I never had and my close confidant forever. We shared triumphs and heartaches. Her fame in so many fields overshadowed her real talent as one of our greatest comedic actors, a loving mother, an amazing homemaker, and one of the world’s best cooks. I will miss her dearly and hope that she is now out of pain and at peace.”
Additionally, Caitlyn Jenner also paid tribute to Somers with a photo post shared on Instagram.
“We lost a true American Icon today. @suzannesomers you will be missed. It was always a pleasure and a riot working with you over the years! Here we are way back in the 70’s at Pepperdine with Howard! Rest in Peace.”
Fellow actress Viola Davis also paid tribute to Somers on Instagram.
“RIP Suzanne Somers. I grew up watching Three’s Company. You were a joy and forever young. Rest well 💔🕊🙏🏿”
According to USA Today, Suzanne Somers’ career began with “small acting roles” between the late 1960s and early 1970s. The outlet reports that the actress landed her first movie credit in Steve McQueen’s 1968 film, “Bullitt.”
From there, Somers would land brief roles in shows such as “The Love Boat” and “One Day At A Time.” However, the actress’s “big break” would come in 1977 with her role as Chrissy Snow on “Three’s Company,” as per NPR.
Somers would also don roles as Sheriff Hildy Granger in “She’s the Sheriff” and Carol Foster Lambert in “Step by Step.” Additionally, the actress would also go on to pen over 25 books and become a New York Times best-selling author, per PEOPLE.
USA Today reports Somers was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 after battling skin cancer. After bouts with breast cancer over the past “two decades, Somers revealed earlier this year on July 31 that she was again battling the disease.
“Since I have been taking time off from work, many of you have asked for more details about my health. As you know, I had breast cancer two decades ago, and every now and then it pops up again, and I continue to bat it down. I have used the best alternative and conventional treatments to combat it. This is not new territory for me. I know how to put on my battle gear and I’m a fighter. Alan has been by my side every step of the way. I can’t even explain how much he has done for me. If it’s even possible, we are even closer than ever. My incredible family has been so supportive, and have helped so much by keeping the business running so you can still have access to all the wonderful products. Thank you for the continued love and support. It’s only about who you love and who loves you – and I love you! ✨💛✨”
At this time, Suzanne Somers’ cause of death has not been made public.
Be sure to check back in with The Shade Room for updates. This is a developing story.
