Suzanne Somers, best known for her roles on Three’s Company and Step by Step, has died.
Somers died on Sunday morning, PEOPLE confirms. She would have been 77 on Monday.
“Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of October 15th. She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years,” Somers’ longtime publicist R. Couri Hay wrote in a statement shared on behalf of the actress’ family.
“Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family,” the statement continued. “Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on October 16th. Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.”
Suzanne Somers on ‘Three’s Company’ in 1980. ABC PHOTO ARCHIVES/DISNEY GENERAL ENTERTAINMENT CONTENT VIA GETTY
In a separate statement, Hay also told PEOPLE that the “beautiful house” Somers spent her final moments in was “one of her dreams.”
“There were all these plans and she was always working and dreaming and had brought her family into the business, and the grandchildren and step-children were all part of the business,” her publicist said, adding that she was “very engaged right to the end.”
According to Hay, a private family burial will take place this week, and a memorial will be held in November.
Suzanne Somers and Alan Hamel’s Relationship Timeline
Suzanne Somers on ‘Step by Step’ in 1994. ABC PHOTO ARCHIVES/DISNEY GENERAL ENTERTAINMENT CONTENT VIA GETTY
Prior to her birthday, Somers told PEOPLE that she was looking forward to spending the special day with her loved ones.
The actress and entrepreneur shared that she was planning to be with her “nearest and dearest” on her birthday, including her “beloved husband Alan [Hamel], our three children, Leslie, Stephen, and Bruce, [his wife] Caroline, plus our six wonderful grandchildren.”
In the same interview, Hamel, who wed Somers in 1977, praised his wife’s resilience.
“Suzanne and I just returned home from the Midwest where Suzanne had six weeks of intensive physical therapy,” the former TV host told PEOPLE. “Even after our five decades together, I still marvel at Suzanne’s amazing determination and commitment.”
Suzanne Somers and husband Alan Hamel in 2018. STEVE GRANITZ/WIREIMAGE
In a heartfelt Instagram post in July, Somers shared that her breast cancer had returned for the first time since her first diagnosis in 2000.
Alongside a photo of herself and Hamel, 87, she wrote, “As you know, I had breast cancer two decades ago, and every now and then it pops up again, and I continue to bat it down. I have used the best alternative and conventional treatments to combat it. This is not new territory for me. I know how to put on my battle gear and I’m a fighter.”
In the same post, the actress also expressed gratitude for how much Hamel — and her entire family — have supported her.
“Alan has been by my side every step of the way,” she continued. “I can’t even explain how much he has done for me. If it’s even possible, we are even closer than ever. My incredible family has been so supportive, and have helped so much by keeping the business running so you can still have access to all the wonderful products. Thank you for the continued love and support. It’s only about who you love and who loves you – and I love you!”
Suzanne Somers is survived by her husband Alan Hamel, her son Bruce, her stepchildren, Stephen and Leslie, and her six grandchildren. CAROLINE SOMERS
In addition to her iconic roles as Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company (1977-1981) and Carol Foster Lambert on Step by Step (1991-1998), Somers also starred as Sheriff Hildy Granger in She’s the Sheriff (1987–1989).
The actress was also known for her books — she penned over 25, and was a New York Times best-selling author — and for her health and beauty business ventures, namely the ThighMaster exercise equipment.
Somers is survived by her “blended family” — Hamel, her son Bruce, 57, her stepchildren, Stephen and Leslie, and her six grandchildren.