Nearly three weeks after Loni Anderson died at age 79, new details have revealed the illness that caused her death. According to her death certificate, the beloved WKRP in Cincinnati actress died from metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer that begins in the uterus and can spread to other parts of the body.
According to People, she died at a Los Angeles hospital on August 3, 2025, following what her longtime publicist described as a prolonged illness. Her passing came only two days before she would have celebrated her 80th birthday on August 5. In a statement announcing the sad news, her family remembered her as a deeply loved wife, mother, and grandmother.
Her Death Certificate Revealed a Rare Form of Cancer
Metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma appeared as the actress’ sole cause of death on the official document, with no additional contributing conditions reported. The rare cancer develops in the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus and can become life-threatening when it spreads to other parts of the body, particularly the lungs or liver.
According to the certificate, her remains were cremated and buried in Hollywood on August 7, four days after her death. Although the actress had reportedly faced an extended illness, she and her family kept the exact nature of her condition private during her lifetime. Confirmation of the diagnosis eventually gave fans a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding her passing.
She Became a Television Favorite on ‘WKRP in Cincinnati.’
Audiences knew the actress best as Jennifer Marlowe on the CBS comedy WKRP in Cincinnati, which aired from 1978 until 1982. Although Jennifer served as the radio station’s receptionist, she frequently appeared more intelligent and capable than many of her coworkers. By portraying the glamorous character with confidence and sharp humor, the star challenged familiar stereotypes about blonde women. Her performance earned her two Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nominations.
After the sitcom ended, she starred opposite Burt Reynolds in the 1983 comedy Stroker Ace. Their romance continued away from the cameras, leading to a secret wedding at Reynolds’ Florida ranch in 1988 and the adoption of their son, Quinton. Following their divorce in 1994, she continued acting in shows such as Nurses, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, V.I.P., and So NoTORIous. Loni Anderson is survived by Quinton; her daughter, Deirdra; and her fourth husband, musician Bob Flick, whom she married in 2008.