Loni Anderson, star of ‘WKRP in Cincinnati,’ dies at 79

Loni Anderson, 79, has died, just days before her 80th birthday.  The actress’s longtime publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, said she died at a Los Angeles hospital following a “prolonged” illness,” according to the Associated Press on Sunday.

“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, and grandmother,” Anderson’s family said in a statement.

Anderson was best known for her role as  the platinum blonde receptionist, Jennifer Marlowe, on the CBS sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati.” The show aired for four seasons on CBS, from 1978 to 1982. Anderson received three Golden Globe nominations and two Emmy nominations for the series.

Anderson was also known for her marriage to actor Burt Reynolds from 1988 to 1994. The two stars had a highly contentious and public divorce.

–City News Service