by Venus Sanders
In a heartbreaking turn of events, beloved Hollywood star Suzanne Somers lost her long-fought battle with cancer just one day before her 77th birthday.
Image Credit: Jeff Neira / Contributor / Getty Images
On October 15, the actress passed away peacefully at her home, marking the end of a courageous fight against an aggressive form of breast cancer, which she had faced for over 23 years. This sad confirmation was given by the star's dedicated publicist, R. Couri Hay.
Suzanne Somers was surrounded by her loving husband, Alan Hamel, her son, Bruce, and her immediate family during her final moments. Her family had originally planned to gather to celebrate her 77th birthday, but instead, they will come together to honor her extraordinary life. Hay extended his gratitude to the millions of fans and followers who held a special place in their hearts for Suzanne.
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The family is arranging a private burial later this week, with a memorial service to follow next month. A friend of the iconic "Three's Company" star revealed to She's SINGLE that Suzanne passed away in her new "all green home" in Palm Springs, peacefully in her sleep, with her husband, Alan Hamel, by her side.
Before her passing, Alan Hamel had given his wife a heartfelt early birthday present, a handwritten love poem wrapped in her favorite pink peonies. This tragic news follows less than three months after Hamel informed sources that Suzanne Somers' breast cancer had returned.
The star, known for her role in "Step by Step," initially battled breast cancer in her 50s, after overcoming skin cancer in her 30s and facing "two hyperplasia" in her 20s. Suzanne, always resolute in her fight, shared her unwavering spirit with "Entertainment Tonight" in July, saying, "I have been living with cancer since my 20s. And every time that little f—ker pops up, I continue to bat it back."
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She made it clear that she wouldn't allow the insidious disease to control her, saying, "It’s a recurrence of my breast cancer. Like any cancer patient, when you get that dreaded, ‘It’s back,’ you get a pit in your stomach. Then I put on my battle gear and go to war. This is familiar battleground for me, and I’m very tough."
Suzanne Somers is survived by her son, Bruce Jr., from her previous marriage to Bruce Somers. She was also a loving stepmother to Stephen and Leslie Hamel from Alan Hamel's previous marriage and a cherished grandmother to six grandchildren.
The passing of this Hollywood icon marks the end of an era, but her indomitable spirit and memorable contributions to the world of entertainment will be celebrated for generations to come.