Hollywood icon Loni Anderson, who made America swoon as Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP in Cincinnati, died on August 3, 2025—just days before her 80th birthday on August 5. According to her longtime publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, she passed away at a Los Angeles hospital following what was described as an “acute prolonged illness” .

The Medical Mystery: What Really Happened?

Although details remain tightly held, here’s everything we know:

Public statements confirmed Loni died of an “acute prolonged illness”, but no specific illness has been disclosed .
Other reports hint at COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), which Loni had long advocated against—after seeing her own parents suffer from it. Today’s coverage strongly connects that to her demise .
Despite her private struggle, Loni stayed active into the 2020s, with her final onscreen performance in 2023’s Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas .

 The Final Act: Tragic Timing

It’s unbearably dramatic—Loni Anderson, just hours away from her 80th birthday, succumbed to illness:

She passed on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at age 79—two days before turning 80 .
Her family issued a brief, emotionally charged statement: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother.” .

Legacy Under the Spotlight: More Than a Pretty Face

Remember Jennifer Marlowe? The character was sexy, savvy, and brilliant. Anderson fought typecasting every step of the way:

Her portrayal earned her two Emmy noms and three Golden Globe noms—not bad for someone who could’ve been written off as the “dumb blonde” .
She insisted Jennifer be smart and witty—like Marilyn Monroe meets Jane Mansfield—an act of defiance that paid off .
Beyond WKRP, Loni starred in Stroker Ace with Burt Reynolds, made TV movies like The Jayne Mansfield Story, and co‑starred in Lifetime’s holiday hit in 2023 .

A Lifetime of Love & Scandal: The Which Ex Drama

Her love life was also headline news:

Married 4 times: first to Bruce Hasselberg (1964–66), then Ross Bickell (1974–81), then high-profile tie to Burt Reynolds (1988–94), and finally musician Bob Flick, whom she married in 2008 and stayed with until her death .
The Reynolds marriage turned tabloid fodder. Accusations flew—including abuse claims and allegations on both sides—but Loni later made peace and even paid tribute after his 2018 death .

The Final Spotlight: COVID… Wait, COPD?

While they’re not saying exactly what illness she had, here’s a strong suspect: COPD:

Loni spent years advocating for COPD awareness—her parents both suffered from it.
She became a spokesperson for a COPD support group called COPD Together in 1999 .
Risk factors include long‑term exposure to smoke or pollutants, symptoms include shortness of breath and persistent cough. There’s no cure, only treatments to make daily life manageable .

The Hollywood Mourning Machine

Since the news broke, tributes have flooded in from every corner of Tinseltown:

Fellow actress Morgan Fairchild called her “the sweetest, most gracious lady!” and said she was devastated by the loss .
Co‑star Lynda Carter, longtime manager and friends emphasized her work ethic, humor, and class—calling Loni “one in a trillion” .
Industry reports confirmed she died surrounded by loved ones and a private family service is planned at Hollywood Forever Cemetery .
Officials asked for donations in her memory to lung‑health charities like the National Lung Health Education Program or American Cancer Society .

Why the Silence?

HollywoodLife and other outlets emphasize that the exact illness remains undisclosed. That’s not uncommon—but:

Given Loni’s lifelong advocacy for COPD awareness, and her personal family history, the weight of speculation leans heavily toward lung disease .
In interviews she’d spoken of her parents’ suffering, and she worked publicly to educate others—suggesting it may have been personal and difficult enough to keep the specifics private.

Final Curtain: How Fans Are Reacting

The outpouring has been massive:

Fans flooded Twitter/X with clips of “Turkeys Away” and other classic WKRP moments, and emotional shout‑outs to her legacy .
Fellow stars hailed her as a trailblazer who didn’t just look the part—she changed it.
The family’s quiet response—brief statement, private funeral—has only fueled curiosity around the mystery of her illness.

Take‑Away: The Health Message Behind the Headlines

If there’s one lesson people are taking from Loni’s passing, it’s this: Serious illnesses can strike quietly—and awareness and early detection matter:

COPD is often preventable—or at least its impact can be lessened—through quitting smoking, reducing pollutant exposure, and early medical care .
Loni’s long campaign as a spokesperson and advocate stands as powerful proof: she used her fame to speak for millions suffering in silence.
Now, her death—just before her milestone 80th—puts a face on the reality that Hollywood glamour still faces real-world fragility.

In Conclusion: Loni Anderson’s Tragic Exit

Loni Anderson’s unexpected, untimely death at age 79—mere days before her 80th birthday—has left fans, co‑stars, and the entertainment world stunned. Although her exact medical cause remains protected, recent coverage strongly suggests she battled a prolonged lung-related illness, likely COPD, echoing her advocacy years.

She was more than a glamorous face—she was a force on screen, a devoted family woman, and a committed lung health advocate. Her final moments remind us that even legends are vulnerable, and that knowledge, care, and compassion can make all the difference.