Suzanne Somers, best known for her roles on Three’s Company and Step by Step, has died.
“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.
In a separate statement, Hay also told PEOPLE that the “beautiful house” Somers spent her final moments in was “one of her dreams.”
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.”
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!”
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.