Classic TV icon Valerie Harper has died at the age of 80. Harper’s family confirmed the actress died quietly with her family and loved ones by her side at 10:06 a.m. Friday according to TMZ.
Valerie Harper’s cause of death has not been immediately disclosed. However, it has been publicly known that the actress has been in failing health for more than a decade. In 2009 Harper was diagnosed with lung cancer. In 2013 the actress was hit with another serious medical blow announcing that she was battling terminal brain cancer.
At the time Valerie was given only three months to live. Surpassing her grim diagnosis by six years and always the fighter the 70s sitcom star underwent a series of treatments. Responding well, Harper went on to compete on the hit show “Dancing With the Stars” the same year.
In July, Harper’s husband, Tony Cacciotti, announced via Facebook that her doctors recommended Valerie go into hospice care, but at the time he refused to allow it.
“I have been told by doctors to put Val in Hospice care and I can’t [because of our 40 years of shared commitment to each other] and I won’t because of the amazing good deeds she has graced us with while she’s been here on earth, he wrote on Facebook.
Throughout her successful acting career, Valerie Harper was nominated for eight Emmys, winning four; and nominated for six Golden Globes, winning one. She was also nominated for a best actress Tony in 2010 for her role in the play “Looped.”
In a 2015, interview with Coping With Cancer Valerie Harper spoke openly on her battle with cancer stating, “It’s not so much about resisting death. It’s accepting that it’s there and then making sure that I’m living to my utmost potential.”
Valerie Harper is survived by her husband, Cacciotti, whom she married in 1987, and their daughter, Cristina.
