Following the heartbreaking passing of iconic actress Suzanne Somers, the star's loved ones have confirmed her cause of death in a statement.
On Sunday (October 15), the actress' long-time publicist - R. Couri Hay - confirmed the sad news that Somers had died. "Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of October 15th," he said in a statement.
In a tragic circumstance of events, Hay revealed that Somers' family had gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on Monday (October 16). But as Hay explained: "Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly."
And, as reported by the New York Times, Caroline Somers - the actress' daughter-in-law - confirmed that Suzanne passed away following her battle with breast cancer.
Hay confirmed this news, adding that Somers had "survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years."
The Three's Company star had been open with her fans about her battle with cancer. Back in July, she took to Instagram to sadly confirm that her breast cancer had returned.
"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," she wrote in a post to her 250,000+ followers.
“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," the post continued.
The star went on to praise her husband, Alan Hamel, who had been by her side "every step of the way".
"I can’t even explain how much he has done for me," she continued. "If it’s even possible, we are even closer than ever." She also thanked her family and fans for their continued support.
Following Somer's death, Hay also revealed in a conversation with PEOPLE that Hamel had penned a romantic letter to his wife in celebration of her 77th birthday.
The letter - which can be read in full here - detailed Hamel's enduring love for his wife, as he writes: "55 years together, 46 married and not even one hour apart for 42 of those years. Even that doesn’t do it. Even going to bed at 6 o’clock and holding hands while we sleep doesn’t do it. Staring at your beautiful face while you sleep doesn’t do it."
Somers rose to fame in the 1970s with her breakthrough role as Chrissy Snow in the hit sitcom Three's Company. Beyond her acting career - which also included iconic roles in shows like Step by Step - Somers made a significant mark as a fitness guru, endorsing popular exercise equipment like the Thighmaster, and authoring several self-help and wellness books.
Her diverse talents extended to hosting television shows, performing in Las Vegas, and launching her own beauty brand, showcasing a multifaceted career that spanned decades.
As well as Caroline, Suzanne is survived by her husband, Alan, and her son, Bruce.
