News of Suzanne Somers’ death broke while family and fans were preparing to celebrate her 77th birthday. The Three’s Company star battled different types of cancer during her lifetime, with her breast cancer struggle being the most prevalent.
A statement from her publicist Couri Hay announcing her death reads, “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 was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 and she opted for organic non-traditional remedies instead of the usual chemotherapy. “We women are the sickest women in the world in the United States from excessive chemicalization,” the late actress said at the time.
Suzanne Somers had a cancer relapse
In 2007, Somers shared that she was cancer-free until the following year when she was misdiagnosed with full-body cancer. “I went into that valley of fear. I saw my death, it was horrible,” Somers told CBS News at the time. However, a few months before her death, the actress shared a sad Instagram post confirming that her cancer had returned but assured fans that she was “a fighter.”
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She also appreciated her husband for being by her side ‘every step of the way.’ “I can’t even explain how much he has done for me. If it’s even possible, we are even closer than ever,” she wrote. “Thank you for the continued love and support. It’s only about who you love and who loves you— and I love you!”
Though Somer’s death was sudden, the actress was surrounded by her loved ones in her final moments. For her 77th birthday, the actress got a special gift from Alan consisting of pink peonies and a passionate poem he composed for her. He gave her the presents “a day early, and she read the poem and went to bed and later died peacefully in her sleep.”
She held her family together
Somers was very family-oriented and looked forward to an intimate birthday celebration with her loving family. “I heard Caroline is making her famous short rib tacos, and I have asked for copious amounts of cake,” she told People in an interview.
Like she excitedly planned for her 77th birthday, her “nearest and dearest” were present for the party but ended up spending her final hours with them. “Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on October 16th. Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly,” the statement continued. Hay confirmed that a memorial service will be held in November, following her private burial that already took place.