Anderson, who played a struggling radio station’s empowered receptionist on the hit TV comedy “WKRP in Cincinnati,” died Sunday, just days before her 80th birthday.

"an acute prolonged illness," the actress' representative Cheryl J. Kagan confirmed to USA TODAY. She was surrounded by her family, who wrote in a statement: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife,

Loni Anderson, the beloved actress who brought intelligence and charm to her iconic role as Jennifer Marlowe on the classic TV comedy WKRP in Cincinnati, died Sunday at a Los Angeles hospital following a prolonged illness.

Loni Anderson, who died Aug. 3 at 79, will be remembered for marrying Burt Reynolds at his ranch near Jupiter and their years living in Hobe Sound.

Though Loni Anderson's talent on screen earned her mega success, her life behind the scenes got just as much, if not more, attention.

Loni Anderson and Burt Reynolds infamously had a rocky marriage from 1998 to 1994. Anderson and Reynolds met on The Merv Griffin Show in 1981 when Anderson was still married to Ross Bickell and Reynolds was dating actress Sally Field.