Hollywood icon Diane Keaton was pictured smiling with her dog in her last photo before her death at the age of 79.
The renowned star of “The Godfather” was captured with a bright smile and appeared healthy as she posed with her dog Reggie in an April 11 Instagram update, which was promoting a Hudson Grace dog statue and some dog treats.
She was seen affectionately petting her dog, who also seemed to be smiling in anticipation of getting the packaged treats, as they sat comfortably on the floor of her home.
A family spokesperson confirmed to People the star passed away in California. No further details have been released.
Her loved ones have requested privacy as they mourn her loss.
Bette Midler led the tributes for the actress. The pair starred in the 1996 comedy-drama The First Wives Club.
‘I can’t express how deeply saddened I am about this. She was incredibly funny and completely genuine, lacking any competitiveness you might expect from such a big star. What you saw was what she was… oh, la, la!’
Piers Morgan shared his condolences on X, stating: ‘RIP Diane Keaton, 79. An Oscar-winning performer of “Annie Hall,” brilliant in “The Godfather” and “Father of the Bride” films. Truly one of Hollywood’s great actresses and a lovely person. Very sad news.’
Diane Keaton is seen above in her last photo shared to Instagram on April 11
Diane Keaton, celebrated as one of Hollywood’s most unique and cherished figures, has passed away at the age of 79; (pictured during her final public appearance in December 2024)
Actress Elizabeth Banks wrote on Instagram: ‘She was beloved in her industry. Every one of us idolizes her.
‘Her impact on culture, fashion, art, and women’s lives is immeasurable. She was a true joy. I feel fortunate to have had a career that allowed me to meet her and share her presence.’
Keaton’s Hollywood career spanned five decades from her early breakthrough in The Godfather trilogy to her Oscar-winning turn in Annie Hall.
She became a defining face of 1970s cinema and later cemented her legacy with hits like Baby Boom, Father of the Bride, The First Wives Club, and Something’s Gotta Give.
In recent years, she delighted audiences again with the Book Club films, proving her enduring appeal across generations.
She was born Diane Hall on January 5, 1946, in Los Angeles.
Keaton studied acting at Santa Ana College before heading to New York City to train at the prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse.
She made her Broadway debut in 1968 as part of the original cast of Hair, quickly earning attention for her wit and presence.
Her breakout came in 1972 with The Godfather, where she portrayed Kay Adams-Corleone opposite Al Pacino
Throughout the 1980s and ’90s, Keaton built an unmatched résumé with standout roles in films like Reds, Baby Boom, and Father of the Bride (pictured)
She would later go on to star in Lovers and Other Strangers, but her breakout came in 1972 with The Godfather, where she portrayed Kay Adams-Corleone opposite Al Pacino.
The role made her a household name and she made quite the name for herself as she continued to act.
Keaton also made her mark on television, notably starring alongside Jude Law in the acclaimed 2016 miniseries The Young Pope.
A year later, her decades-long contribution to film was recognized when she received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the American Film Institute’s gala.
In August 2022, the Hollywood icon was further celebrated with a Hand and Footprint Ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre.
Away from the screen, Keaton led a fiercely independent life.
She adopted two children – daughter Dexter and son Duke – in her 50s and remained proudly unmarried, despite past relationships with major Hollywood names including Woody Allen, Warren Beatty, Al Pacino, and Jack Nicholson.
‘I think I’m the only one in my generation and maybe before who has been a single woman all her life,’ she once said.
‘I don’t think it would have been a good idea for me to have married, and I’m really glad I didn’t.’
