Loni Anderson, beloved by TV lovers everywhere for her role as the glamorous and clever Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP in Cincinnati, has passed away at the age of 79.
She quietly slipped away on Sunday, August 3, 2025—just two days shy of turning 80—surrounded by family in a Los Angeles hospital. Her long‑time publicist confirmed she’d been battling a prolonged illness, though the family hasn’t publicly shared specifics about what it was.
Still, heartbroken isn’t even the half of it—they issued a statement saying they’re utterly crushed to lose such a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother.
What Illness Did Loni Anderson Have? Cause of Death Explained
It was described simply as a “prolonged illness.” While details on the medical side remain private—family wishes keep that respectfully under wraps—it was clear she was surrounded by loved ones in her final moments.
Although the specific medical condition was not officially disclosed by her family or representatives, a few reputable news outlets note that Anderson was a longtime advocate for awareness around Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)—a serious and progressive lung disease.
She became passionate about COPD advocacy after caring for both her parents who suffered from it—and it’s often linked to long-term smoke exposure.
That said, there’s no direct confirmation from her family or publicist that COPD was the cause of her illness or death.
The available statements remain general, and thus we should avoid drawing a definitive medical conclusion without additional confirmation.
Career That Sparkled
Boy, where do we even begin? Loni Anderson’s career took off in fits and starts: a minor role in the 1966 Western Nevada Smith gave her a toe-hold in Hollywood, but she didn’t hit her stride until the 1970s, popping up in guest roles on shows like S.W.A.T., Police Woman, Three’s Company—that kind of thing.
It wasn’t until a brief guest turn on Three’s Company that producers sat up and took notice.
Then bam! In 1978 she was cast as Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP in Cincinnati, the receptionist who wasn’t just eye candy, she was brains too.
That role? A breakout: three Golden Globe nominations, two Emmy nods—and endless love from fans. She turned that “glamour bombshell” persona into something more: smart, self‑possessed, witty—and oh, did she light up the screen. After the sitcom ended in 1982, she kept busy: TV movies, comedies, dramas.
She starred in Stroker Ace (remember that one with Burt Reynolds?), voiced a character in All Dogs Go to Heaven, and later landed roles in A Night at the Roxbury and that fun 2023 holiday flick Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas. She even wrote a memoir—My Life in High Heels—back in 1995, sharing a peek into her Hollywood highs and the messier bits too.
Personal Life & Husbands: More Drama Than Daytime TV
Loni's life off-camera had more plot twists than some of her shows. She was married four times: first to Bruce Hasselberg in the mid‑60s, then Ross Bickell from the 70s until around 1981, famously to Burt Reynolds in 1988 (the Splitsville headlines in 1994 were everywhere)—and finally to Bob Flick in 2008.
Her marriage with Reynolds was dramatic: they adopted a son, Quinton, and Loni later described him as “the best decision we ever made.” Though the divorce played out in public, she and Burt made amends before he passed away.
Then Bob Flick entered the picture. You might know him as a founding member of the folk group The Brothers Four, famous for hits like “Greenfields” back in the day.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it: Loni Anderson passed away at 79, just two days from her 80th birthday, after a prolonged illness.
Her career began in small parts, soared on WKRP in Cincinnati, stretched through decades of TV and film, and led her to embrace advocacy and family.
Her earnings? Not spelled out in tabloids, but her steady work and fame make it clear she made her mark—and her income likely reflected it.
She leaves behind a sweet and loving family, a legacy of smart performances and kindness, and a public that won’t soon forget her.
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