Christina Sandera - the longtime partner of Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood - has passed away at the age of 61.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter, with 94-year-old Eastwood saying in a tribute: "Christina was a lovely, caring woman, and I will miss her very much."
A spokesperson from Warner Bros. added that no further information would be forthcoming. The exact cause of her death has not been publicly disclosed.
The couple reportedly first met in 2014 at the Mission Ranch Hotel in Carmel, California, where Sandera was working as a hostess. They began dating shortly thereafter.
The historic Carmel-by-the-Sea hotel is owned by the actor and director, with Eastwood once also serving as mayor of the town following his election in 1986.
Sandera is said to have been a lifelong resident of the town.
Eastwood - renowned for his roles in films such as Dirty Harry and Unforgiven, and for his work as a director on projects including American Sniper and Gran Torino - was notably private about his personal life, including his relationship with Sandera.
Despite this, Sandera's influence and support were evident during Eastwood’s public appearances and film promotions, as she appeared alongside him at various events and premieres.
The couple started dating in 2014 following Eastwood's divorce from TV news anchor Dina Ruiz (with whom he shares a daughter, Morgan).
Prior to his 18-year marriage to Ruiz, Eastwood had also married model Maggie Johnson from 1953 to 1984.
Our thoughts go out to Eastwood, along with Sandera's family and loved ones at this time.
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