Late 90’s icon Loni Anderson breathes her last at 79

Loni Anderson, who starred in dozens of TV movies, died in a Los Angeles hospital just days before her 80th birthday, leaving fans devastated.

The actress’s publicist Cheryl J. Kagan, confirmed the devastating news to media outlets, also revealing that she had been fighting a “prolonged” illness.

Meanwhile the Emmy nominated icon’s family issued a formal statement noting, “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother.”

In an interview in 2021 the late star had opened up about being viewed as a sex symbol for her role as the receptionist, Jennifer Marlowe on the CBS sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati.

Loni had said at the time that it was something that she didn’t expect, but embraced nonetheless, and that she would always take whatever her career threw at her, a quality her granddaughters admired.

The Golden Globe nominated actress was also cherished by her followers, as they took to social media to pen heartfelt notes for the late star.

“She was a beautiful and funny lady in WKRP in Cincinnati. She will be greatly missed. I loved her on that show,” one netizen wrote, while another added, “Rest in Peace Loni Anderson.”

A third user commented, “Rest In Love Loni! I watched WRKP and I've always thought she was one of a kind. Sad day.”

Was Loni Anderson a natural blonde?

No, Loni was a natural brunette and dyed her hair blonde for most of her iconic and memorable roles in TV shows and movies. 

RELATED: Hulk Hogan's bond with granddaughters revealed after death