Diane Keaton’s family has revealed that she died of pneumonia, bringing renewed attention to signs of the illness.
Keaton's loved ones have revealed the Oscar-winning actress's cause of death after it was announced that she passed away on October 11 in California at the age of 79.
In a statement shared with People, they wrote: “The Keaton family are very grateful for the extraordinary messages of love and support they have received these past few days on behalf of their beloved Diane, who passed away from pneumonia on October 11.”
They encouraged fans to honor her legacy through charitable donations: “She loved her animals and she was steadfast in her support of the unhoused community, so any donations in her memory to a local food bank or an animal shelter would be a wonderful and much appreciated tribute to her.”
Though Keaton had not appeared publicly for several months, her illness had not been previously disclosed. A source close to the actor told the outlet that her health had “declined very suddenly” in recent months, and “even many of her longtime friends weren’t fully aware of what was happening.”
She reportedly spent her final days surrounded by her children, Dexter and Duke, whom she adopted in 1996 and 2001.
What Is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It often presents with symptoms similar to colds or the flu, making it difficult to detect without medical evaluation.
According to Health, common signs include:
- Coughing (dry or phlegmy).
- Chest pain, often sharp or stabbing, especially while breathing or coughing.
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
- Fever
- Chills.
- Sweating.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Fatigue, or weakness.
In severe cases, pneumonia can require hospitalization and even become life-threatening, especially for older adults or those with underlying conditions.
Early symptoms can appear suddenly or develop over days and should be assessed by a healthcare provider.
Diagnosis often requires physical exams, chest X-rays, and blood tests.
Hollywood Pays Tribute
Keaton’s death shocked the film industry, where she had long been celebrated as one of cinema’s most distinctive voices.
Her 1977 Oscar-winning performance in Annie Hall - a film shaped closely around her own life by director and former partner Woody Allen - made her an icon. Her filmography also includes The Godfather trilogy, Reds, Something’s Gotta Give, Father of the Bride, Marvin’s Room, and The First Wives Club.
Many of her co-stars and collaborators paid tribute in the days following her death. Allen told The Free Press: “It’s grammatically incorrect to say ‘most unique,’ but all rules of grammar, and I guess anything else, are suspended when talking about Diane Keaton… A few days ago, the world was a place that included Diane Keaton. Now it’s a world that does not. Hence, it’s a drearier world.”
Keanu Reeves, who starred alongside Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give, remembered her as “a generous, generous artist and a very special, unique person.” Steve Martin, her Father of the Bride co-star, shared a throwback photo and wrote simply: “Loved!” alongside her memorable line from Annie Hall: “La dee da, la dee da.”
Keaton never married and is survived by her two younger sisters, Dorrie and Robin, along with her two children.