Somers died on Sunday morning, PEOPLE confirms. She would have been 77 on Monday.
“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,” Somers’ longtime publicist R. Couri Hay wrote in a statement shared on behalf of the actress’ family.
Suzanne Somers on ‘Three’s Company’ in 1980.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
In a separate statement, Hay also told PEOPLE that the “beautiful house” Somers spent her final moments in was “one of her dreams.”
“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,” her publicist said, adding that she was “very engaged right to the end.”
According to Hay, a private family burial will take place this week, and a memorial will be held in November.
Prior to her birthday, Somers told PEOPLE thatshe was looking forward to spending the special day with her loved ones.
The actress and entrepreneur shared that she was planning to be with her “nearest and dearest” on her birthday, including her “beloved husbandAlan [Hamel], our three children, Leslie, Stephen, and Bruce, [his wife] Caroline, plus our six wonderful grandchildren.”
In the same interview, Hamel, who wed Somers in 1977, praised his wife’s resilience.
Suzanne Somers and husband Alan Hamel in 2018.Steve Granitz/WireImage
Steve Granitz/WireImage
In a heartfelt Instagram post in July, Somersshared that her breast cancer had returnedfor the first time since her first diagnosis in 2000.
Alongside a photo of herself and Hamel, 87, she wrote, “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.”
In the same post, the actress also expressed gratitude for how much Hamel — and her entire family — have supported her.
Caroline Somers
The actress was also known for her books — she penned over 25, and was aNew York Timesbest-selling author — and for her health and beauty business ventures, namely theThighMasterexercise equipment.
source: people.com
