15 October 2023 , 19:50
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Suzanne Somers has died a day before her 77th birthday the star's publicist has confirmed.
The actress who was best known for her role on Three's Company passed away following a cancer battle she previously said started in her 20s. She had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer 23 years ago.
Her publicist said she died early on Sunday morning. R Couri Hay confirmed: "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."
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Suzanne Somers (centre) in Three's Company (Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)In his statement to Page Six he added: "Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family."
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The family had been gathering for the star's 77th birthday according to Hay who said they will now meet to celebrate her life. "Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly," Hay said before confirming a private family burial will take place this week followed by a memorial in November.
A friend of the family also told the publication the star died at her new home in Palm Springs with her husband of 46 years by her side. They added that husband Alan Hamel gave her a handwritten love poem that had been wrapped in her favourite pink peonies.
Suzanne Somers opened up about her cancer diagnosis in July (Getty Images)Just three months ago, Suzanne had revealed her breast cancer had returned. She was first diagnosed with the disease in her 50s after she had already overcome two hyperplasia in her 20s.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight in July, Suzanne had said: "I have been living with cancer since my 20s. And every time that little f***er pops up, I continue to bat it back. I do my best not to let this insidious disease control me."
As well as her time on sitcom Three's Company as Chrissy Snow, Suzanne played the role of Carol Foster on Step By Step. She met her husband on the set of the marriage competition show The Anniversary Game in 1969 before they tied the knot in 1977.
The pair closely worked to create Suzanne's lifestyle brand and wellness career, with Alan becoming her manager. They recently revealed how they never spent a day apart during their marriage.
In 2020, she told People: "I've never enjoyed anybody in my whole life the way I enjoy Al. There is juice and zest in this chapter!"
Following the news of her death fans took to social media to share messages of condolence. On Twitter Adam Carolla wrote: "Devastated to hear about the passing of Suzanne Somers. A true icon and overall amazing human being. You will be greatly missed, my friend."
Another fan shared a similar message, penning: "RIP Suzanne Somers. In a world so regularly filled with negativity, Suzanne always seemed to be making people laugh. We need so much more of that and people like her. Devastated to hear about the passing of Suzanne Somers. A true icon and overall amazing human being.