Loni Anderson, the television icon who captivated audiences as the stylish and savvy Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP in Cincinnati, has died at the age of 79. She passed away in a Los Angeles hospital on August 3, 2025, following a prolonged illness, just two days before what would have been her 80th birthday.
Her family announced the news in a heartfelt statement:
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother.”
A Life in the Spotlight
Born on August 5, 1945, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Loni Anderson broke into Hollywood during the 1970s, when roles for women were often limited to one-dimensional tropes. She made early appearances in series like S.W.A.T. and The Love Boat before landing the role that would define her career: Jennifer Marlowe, the glamorous receptionist at a struggling radio station on CBS’s WKRP in Cincinnati.
Anderson’s portrayal upended the typical “dumb blonde” stereotype. Her character was elegant and confident, but also witty, intelligent, and in complete control. From 1978 to 1982, she helped shape a new archetype for women in comedy—and earned two Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nominations in the process.
Her influence extended beyond the small screen. Anderson appeared in several feature films and became a staple of tabloid culture during her marriage to actor Burt Reynolds in the 1980s. Though their relationship was tumultuous and ended in a widely publicized divorce in 1994, Anderson remained dignified and vocal about issues that mattered to her, including domestic abuse and women’s independence.
Health and Advocacy
Throughout her later years, Anderson became an advocate for lung health. Having seen family members suffer from the effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), she became a spokesperson for COPD Together, a campaign to raise awareness about respiratory illness and the dangers of smoking.
While Anderson largely kept her personal health private, her family revealed that she had been battling a prolonged illness in the time leading up to her death. No further medical details were made public.
Her Final Days
In the weeks leading up to her passing, Anderson was surrounded by her family. She spent her final days in the care of medical professionals in Los Angeles, receiving support and love from those closest to her. Her death was confirmed by her longtime publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, who emphasized that Anderson had passed peacefully.
The entertainment world responded with tributes and remembrances, many praising her strength, grace, and trailblazing influence on generations of women in television.
A Private Farewell
Following her death, Anderson’s family held a private funeral service in Los Angeles. In keeping with her preference for discretion in recent years, the ceremony was intimate and limited to immediate family and close friends.
She is survived by her husband, musician Bob Flick; daughter Deidra Hoffman and son-in-law Charlie Hoffman; son Quinton Anderson Reynolds (adopted with Burt Reynolds); grandchildren McKenzie and Megan Hoffman; stepson Adam Flick and his wife Helene; and step-grandchildren Felix and Maximilian.
She was laid to rest at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, according to her publicist.
A Lasting Legacy
Loni Anderson’s career was defined by elegance, strength, and wit. She was a woman who refused to be confined by the industry’s narrow expectations. Whether making audiences laugh in sitcoms or fighting for causes off-screen, she remained a presence of poise and power.
Though she is gone, her legacy endures—in reruns, in awards season retrospectives, in the characters she inspired, and in the women who followed her lead.
She didn’t just play a glamorous woman on TV. She was one, in life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Loni Anderson’s Death and Funeral
To help readers understand the details surrounding Loni Anderson’s passing and final arrangements, here are answers to the most commonly asked questions:
Loni Anderson passed away on August 3, 2025, in Los Angeles, just two days before her 80th birthday.
Her family described her passing as the result of a “prolonged illness,” but no specific medical condition was disclosed publicly.
She died in a hospital in Los Angeles, California.
While no public statement was made prior to her passing, the family described her illness as prolonged, indicating her condition had been known to close loved ones.
No. The funeral was private and attended only by family and close friends.
Loni Anderson is buried at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, a well-known resting place for many film and television legends.
She is survived by her husband Bob Flick, daughter Deidra Hoffman, son Quinton Anderson Reynolds, several grandchildren, and stepchildren
Attendee details have not been released, and no public list of celebrity guests has been confirmed.
While not officially confirmed, the decision to hold a private ceremony suggests it may have reflected her personal wishes or those of her family.