• Loni Anderson died from an acute prolonged illness on August 3 2025.
• Her exact condition was not publicly disclosed.
• She was a strong advocate for COPD awareness due to her parents’ struggles.
• Anderson never smoked but cared for her parents who had smoking-related COPD.

The entertainment world mourns the loss of Loni Anderson, the beloved WKRP in Cincinnati star, who passed away at 79.

While her status as a TV legend lingers, many are curious about the health issues she encountered prior to her passing. It is confirmed that she suffered from an “acute prolonged illness,” though the specific details were not disclosed. Here’s what is known.

Loni Anderson’s Cause of Death: An Acute Prolonged Illness

Loni Anderson passed away on August 3, 2025, just shy of her 80th birthday. Her publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, announced that she died due to an “acute prolonged illness” in a Los Angeles hospital. Although her family has kept the exact illness private, they highlighted her resilience during this time.

“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, and grandmother,” her family shared in a statement.

Despite her illness, Anderson continued working, with her last role in Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas (2023).

The beloved actress, known for her role as receptionist Jennifer Marlowe in the television comedy “WKRP in Cincinnati,” passed away at age 79 in a Los Angeles hospital after a long illness. pic.twitter.com/UubP73Y7lV

— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 3, 2025

Her Advocacy for COPD and Personal Health Struggles

Although the specific illness was not disclosed, Anderson was an outspoken advocate for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) awareness. Her parents both suffered from COPD due to smoking.

In a past interview, she recalled:

“My mom would say, ‘I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe,’ and my dad said, ‘I feel like I’m drowning.’ And yet, they wanted another cigarette. It was shocking.”

Though Anderson herself never smoked, she witnessed its harmful impact closely. She actively supported organizations such as the National Lung Health Education Program.

Tributes from Hollywood and Loved Ones

Co-stars and friends honored Anderson’s warmth and talent.

Barbara Eden (I Dream of Jeannie) wrote:

“What can I say about Loni that everyone doesn’t already know? She was a real talent, with razor-sharp wit and a glowing sense of humor.”

Morgan Fairchild added:

“The sweetest, most gracious lady! I’m just devastated to hear this.”

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Last Updated on August 4, 2025