Diane Keaton’s health “declined very suddenly” in final months but “was funny right up until the end”

Diane Keaton’s health declined very rapidly in the lead up to her death, according to sources close to the star.

• READ MORE: Robert De Niro and Jane Fonda lead tributes to “limitlessly creative” Diane Keaton – “One of the very best to ever do it”

The Hollywood legend, best known for films such as Annie Hall, The Godfather, and Something’s Gotta Give, died on October 11 at the age of 79. Her family confirmed the passing in a statement, in which they asked for privacy at this time. No details about the cause of death have been provided.

Co-stars and friends from around the world of entertainment have paid tribute, with Leonardo DiCaprio calling her “one of a kind” and Robert De Niro saying in a statement: “I was very fond of her, and the news of her leaving us has taken me totally by surprise.”

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In a new piece by People, it has been revealed that the illness that led to her death caught those close to her by surprise. “She declined very suddenly, which was heartbreaking for everyone who loved her,” an unnamed friend of the Oscar winner said. “It was so unexpected, especially for someone with such strength and spirit.”

They added: “In her final months, she was surrounded only by her closest family, who chose to keep things very private. Even longtime friends weren’t fully aware of what was happening.”

Another source told the outlet that the star retained her sense of humour and kept her friends close. “In these last few years, she kept a close circle and she liked it that way” they said. “She was funny right up until the end and she had this way of making even ordinary moments feel special. That was just who she was.”

Diane Keaton is survived by her children, Dexter and Duke.

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