Hollywood just lost one of its brightest stars.
E! News confirmed earlier today Mary Tyler Moore passed away at the age of 80. The beloved actress was battling health issues related to diabetes, and in a statement released by her rep, Moore's closest family and friends gathered in Connecticut to say goodbye.
"A groundbreaking actress, producer, and passionate advocate for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Mary will be remembered as a fearless visionary who turned the world on with her smile," the statement read in part.
To fans of the multi-hyphenate TV and feminist icon, Moore was known for bringing major laughs and inspiration to classic projects such as The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, among others. But to her former co-stars, fellow celebrities and closest admirers, Mary was a dear friend they won't soon forget.
Her MTM co-star Ed Asner is just one of many who have shared their grief and fondest memories of Moore on social media. He also tells E! News, "I lost a great friend, teacher, a great benefactor all of whom l loved."
Read more below:
#marytylermoore my heart goes out to you and your family. Know that I love you and believe in your strength.
— Ed Asner (@TheOnlyEdAsner) January 25, 2017
Her MTM co-star Cloris Leachman shares with E! News, "My heart goes out to her husband, Robert—he was never more than a touch away from her. The picture that we all have of her, that's how she was—sweet, kind, so tender, so delicate. She was America's sweetheart. Valerie and I always had to rehearse and rehearse, to work things through but Mary was always ready to go, thoroughly prepared. The last time I saw her was our Hot In Cleveland reunion. I had a feeling I wouldn't see her again. If I could see her one last time I'd hold her in my arms and say, 'We love you.'"
Michael Keaton also expressed his condolences, telling us, "Mary Tyler Moore could light up a room! She is an icon and a friend. She was my cast mate and my boss. She was incredibly funny and completely generous. As an actor and comedian, she allowed me and everyone to perform—letting us just do our thing without any competiveness. She was not only a pioneer in TV, comedy and business but she was a role model for women in general. She built an empire with MTM Enterprises and she paved the way for our new talents like Amy, Tina and others. She is truly going to be missed."
Bernadette Peters tells E! News in a statement, "She was a brilliant, sensitive, iconic actor and a precious friend to me. There are no words to describe how I cherished our friendship. I will miss her dearly.
Dick Van Dyke penned a touching essay for The Hollywood Reporter about Moore, in which he wrote in part, "Outside of her family, I don't think there was anyone more proud of her than I was. Just to watch her grow was such a thrill for me. She left an imprint on television comedy."
Even now looking at this picture I want to cry. I still can't believe Mary Tyler Moore touched my face. Will love her 4 ever. pic.twitter.com/6u4ELq27vN
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) January 25, 2017
#MaryTylerMoore was a dear friend and a truly great person. A fighter. Rest in peace, MTM.
— Larry King (@kingsthings) January 25, 2017
The picture that we all have of Mary, that’s how she was—sweet, kind, so tender, so delicate. She was America’s sweetheart. We loved you.
— Cloris Leachman (@Cloris_Leachman) January 26, 2017
Mary(MTM) was a gem. She was iconic, my boss, cast mate and a friend and I will miss her
— Michael Keaton (@MichaelKeaton) January 25, 2017
Sad. #MaryTylerMoore pic.twitter.com/Prfb2ZBSQr
— Todd Milliner (@tmilliner1) January 25, 2017
#MaryTylerMoore it was my honor to have met you.. & working with you when you graced us on That '70s Show a memory I will carry forever #RIP
— Wilmer Valderrama (@WValderrama) January 25, 2017
Rest In Peace, lovely Mary Tyler Moore...one in a million
— Wendie Malick (@WendieMalick) January 25, 2017
Mary Tyler Moore my friend thank you for all you gave to us . You will be missed . Bless you on your way . Oh... https://t.co/LASxxeNDsQ
— Ben Vereen (@BenVereen) January 25, 2017
Damn. This one hurts. RIP #MaryTylerMoore :( #oneofthegreats #fighter pic.twitter.com/CHWUaompbq
— Jim O'Heir (@JimOHeir) January 25, 2017
Mary Tyler Moore changed the world for all women. I send my love to her family.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 25, 2017
Oh Mary Tyler Moore. You were true inspiration, and power when I didn't know what that was. Thank you. #RIPMaryTylerMoore
— Connie Britton (@conniebritton) January 25, 2017
Mary Tyler Moore is gone. Very Sad Day. RIP My Dear Mary ??
— Bernadette Peters (@OfficialBPeters) January 25, 2017