Loni Anderson dead: Burt Reynolds' ex-wife and WKRP in Cincinnati star dies aged 79

Loni Anderson, famed for her role as a resilient receptionist at a struggling radio station in the much-loved TV comedy WKRP in Cincinnati, has tragically died just days before her 80th birthday. Her long-time publicist, Cheryl J.Kagan, confirmed that Anderson died in a Los Angeles hospital following a "prolonged" illness. "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother," stated Anderson's family. Anderson, a significant presence on CBS, was formerly married to actor Burt Reynolds. Anderson rose to fame portraying Jennifer on WKRP in Cincinnati, a CBS sitcom that aired from 1978 to 1982. The show, centred around an Ohio radio station transitioning from easy listening to rock 'n' roll, became a sensation partly due to Anderson's memorable performance.

The cast included Gary Sandy, Howard Hesseman, Tim Reid, Frank Bonner, and Jan Smithers, according to Mirror US. Anderson's contribution to the series earned her two Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations, cementing her status as a pop culture icon of the late 1970s and early '80s.

Among those paying tribute to the star was fellow actress Barbara Eden. The I Dream of Jeannie star shared a heartfelt post on Twitter/X, stating: "Like many, I am absolutely stunned and heartbroken. Our friendship has spanned many years, and news like this is never easy to hear or accept."

She continued: "She was a real talent, with razor smart wit and a glowing sense of humor... but, even more than that, she had an impeccable work ethic. Even beyond that, Loni was a darling lady and a genuinely good person ... I am truly at a loss for words."

She concluded by stating: "Loni, you were one in a trillion, my friend, and even a trillion more. -Barbara."

Anderson's colleague Morgan Fairchild, who appeared with her in the 2023 Lifetime production, Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas, remarked: "#OnMyWalk to memories of lovely Loni Anderson, one of the genuinely nicest ladies I've ever worked with, on set of our Christmas movie with Donna Mills. We had so much fun on this! She will be greatly missed!".

Beyond her professional career, Anderson became a tabloid sensation following her union with Burt Reynolds in 1988.

The duo had previously collaborated in the 1983 racing comedy Stroker Ace, though it was their off-screen relationship, and eventual divorce in 1994, that kept her firmly in the public eye.

In 1995, she published her memoir, My Life in High Heels, which she characterised as a story of resilience.

"It's about the growth of a woman, a woman who survives," she told The Associated Press at that time.

"It's about my childhood, the death of my parents, my career, my divorces, and my children. Then of course, the trauma of my marriage to Burt."

She continued, "I think if you're going to write about yourself, you have to do it warts and all. You may not even tell the nicest things about yourself, because you're telling the truth."

Anderson is survived by her husband Bob Flick, daughter Deidra, son-in-law Charlie Hoffman, son Quinton Anderson Reynolds, and grandchildren McKenzie and Megan Hoffman.