Tragic Farewell: Beloved Hollywood Icon Diane Keaton Dies Aged 79 After Secret Health Battle
- Diane Keaton’s cause of death revealed as pneumonia, with her family urging fans to donate to local food banks or animal shelters in her memory
- The Annie Hall actress died on October 11, with her final months marked by a ‘steep decline’ in her health and retreat from the public eye
- Keaton’s family confirmed her passing in a statement, paying tribute to her love of animals and support for the unhoused community
In a heartbreaking development, the family of Hollywood legend Diane Keaton have revealed her official cause of death at the age of 79. The actress, who died suddenly on October 11, had been battling ill health in private, with news of her passing sending shockwaves across the globe.
According to a statement from her loved ones, Keaton died of pneumonia, an infection of one or both of the lungs. The family expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support, and requested that fans consider making donations in her memory to a local food bank or animal shelter – causes close to the actress’s heart.
Keaton’s final months were marked by a ‘steep decline’ in her health, with the usually prolific actress retreating from the public eye. Even longtime friends were not fully aware of the extent of her struggles, with only her closest family members by her side.
The Oscar-winning actress, known for her iconic roles in The Godfather and Annie Hall, had a storied career spanning almost 60 years. Her film legacy continued through the decades, with hits like Father of the Bride, The First Wives Club, and Book Club.
In a stark reminder of her mortality, Keaton’s final social media post in April showed her posing with her beloved dog for National Pet Day. The actress, who never married, is survived by her two children, daughter Dexter and son Duke, whom she adopted in her 50s.
Throughout her life, Keaton was open about her struggles with skin cancer and bulimia. In a 2015 interview, she revealed her regrets over not taking sun care seriously enough, saying it had ‘dogged her entire adult life’.
In a surprise move, Keaton released her debut Christmas song and music video in late 2024, giving fans a glimpse of her enduring spirit. As the entertainment world mourns the loss of this beloved icon, her family’s statement serves as a poignant reminder of her love for animals and the unhoused community.