The actress Suzanne Somers, widely known for her work on Step by Step and Three’s Company, has passed away.
Sunday morning, Somers passed away, according to PEOPLE. On Monday, she would have turned 77.
“Suzanne Somers died quietly at home on October 15 in the early hours. She overcame an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years, according to a statement released by Somers’ longtime publicist R. Couri Hay on behalf of the actress’ family.
The statement said, “Suzanne was surrounded by her devoted husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family. On October 16, her family came together to celebrate her 77th birthday. Instead, they will honor her exceptional life and express their gratitude to all of her countless admirers.
In a separate statement, Hay also revealed to PEOPLE that the “beautiful house” Somers spent her dying moments in was “one of her dreams.”
Her spokesperson added, “There were all these plans and she was always working and dreaming and had brought her family into the business, and the step-children and grandchildren were all part of the business,” adding that she was “very engaged right to the end.”
Hay says there will be a private family burial this week and a memorial service in November.
Relationship timeline for Alan Hamel and Suzanne Somers
Somers previously told PEOPLE that she was excited to celebrate her birthday with her loved ones.
The actress and businesswoman revealed that her “nearest and dearest,” including her “beloved husband Alan [Hamel], our three children, Leslie, Stephen, and Bruce, [his wife] Caroline, as well as our six wonderful grandchildren,” were going to be there for her birthday celebration.
Hamel, who wed Somers in 1977, commended his wife’s tenacity in the same interview.
The former TV presenter told PEOPLE, “Suzanne and I just got back from the Midwest where Suzanne had six weeks of severe physical therapy. “Even after five decades of marriage, I continue to be amazed by Suzanne’s incredible commitment and tenacity.”
Somers revealed that her breast cancer has returned for the first time since her initial diagnosis in 2000 in a touching Instagram post in July.
She added, “As you know, I had breast cancer two decades ago, and every so often it pops up again, and I continue to bat it down,” next to a picture of herself and Hamel, 87. I have fought it with the best conventional and alternative therapies. For me, this is not unfamiliar ground. I’m a combatant who is skilled at donning my armor.
The actress also thanked Hamel and her entire family in the same message for their unwavering support.
She continued, “Alan has been by my side every step of the way. “I have no words to express what he has done for me. We are, if it’s even possible, closer than ever. My amazing family has been really helpful and supportive, keeping the business operating so you can continue to enjoy all the fantastic things. I appreciate your unwavering affection and assistance. I adore you! It only matters who you love and who loves you.
Somers also played Sheriff Hildy Granger in She’s the Sheriff (1987–1989), in addition to her well-known performances as Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company (1977–81) and Carol Foster Lambert on Step by Step (1991–1998).
The actress was also well-known for her novels, over 25, of which she wrote more than 25, as well as for her work in the health and beauty industry, particularly with the ThighMaster exercise equipment.
Her “blended family” includes Hamel, her 57-year-old son Bruce, her stepchildren Stephen and Leslie, and her six grandkids. Somers also leaves behind her son Hamel.
