Loni Anderson dead at 79 after long illness

Loni Anderson, who famously portrayed receptionist Jennifer Marlowe in the comedy “WKRP in Cincinnati,” has died. She was 79. 

Anderson died at a Los Angeles hospital following a “prolonged” illness, her longtime publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, said in a statement to The Associated Press. 

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Loni Anderson has died. She was 79.  (CBS via Getty Images/JC Olivera)

“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother,” Anderson’s family said in a statement.

Anderson is survived by her husband Bob Flick, daughter Deidra and son-in law Charlie Hoffman, son Quinton Anderson Reynolds, grandchildren McKenzie and Megan Hoffman, stepson Adam Flick and his wife Helene, step-grandchildren Felix and Maximilian.

This story is developing.