The sudden news of Diane Keaton’s passing has left Hollywood and her fans reeling with a singular question: what were the circumstances that led to her untimely death?

Those close to her observed a concerning change in the vibrant actress; she had become noticeably thinner and seemed less energetic than before. With her history of battling cancer, there were worries it might have returned.

Her family has now come forward to share the sad truth and shed light on the circumstances surrounding her profound loss.

The Confirmed Cause of Diane Keaton’s Death

Diane Keaton’s family has confirmed the sorrowful news that the cherished Oscar-winning actress passed away at the age of 79. The cause of her death has been determined as pneumonia.

In an emotional statement sent to People magazine, they shared that Diane died on October 11th, surrounded by her closest family members.

The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that emergency services were dispatched to her home in Los Angeles a little after 8 in the morning. One person was transported to a nearby hospital, where they were pronounced deceased.

Audio from the 911 call, obtained by TMZ, captured the chilling moment when first responders were sent to her location. A dispatcher is heard stating, “Rescue 19, person down,” while giving Diane’s address.

During this heartbreaking time, the family requested “privacy in this moment of great sadness.”

They have also expressed deep thanks to her fans and friends who have extended support and love following her death.

The family said in their statement, “The Keaton family are very grateful for the extraordinary messages of love and support they have received these past few days on behalf of their beloved Diane, who passed away from pneumonia on October 11.”

“She adored her animals and passionately supported the unhoused community. Donations made in her memory to a local food bank or animal shelter would be a wonderful and appreciated tribute to her life.”

An Unanticipated Shock

According to a close friend who spoke to People, the rapid decline in Diane’s health was a painful and unforeseen event.

“She declined very suddenly, which was heartbreaking for everyone who loved her. It was so unexpected, especially for someone with such strength and spirit,” the friend shared.

Oscar-winning songwriter Carole Bayer Sager, a longtime friend and collaborator with Diane, recalled how frail she appeared during their final meeting.

“I saw her two or three weeks ago, and she was very thin,” Sager commented. “She had lost so much weight.”

Sager explained that Keaton had recently embarked on a temporary move to Palm Springs after wildfires caused severe damage to her California home.

“She had to relocate to Palm Springs because her house needed repairs, and thorough cleaning was necessary,” Sager added. “While she was there, when she returned, I was surprised by the amount of weight she had lost.”

Tributes from Robert De Niro

Since the news of Keaton’s passing, a torrent of tributes has flowed in from Hollywood’s elite to honor the legendary actress. Among them, Robert De Niro, who co-starred with her in several films, expressed:

“I am very sad to hear of Diane’s passing. I was very fond of her, and the news of her leaving us has taken me totally by surprise. I was not expecting her to leave us. She will be missed. May she rest in peace.”

Leonardo DiCaprio, who starred alongside her in Marvin’s Room, honored her memory with a heartfelt Instagram post:

“One of a kind. Brilliant, funny, and unapologetically herself. She will be deeply missed.”

In an emotional piece published by The Free Press, Woody Allen paid tribute to Diane, calling her a unique presence.

“Unlike anyone the planet has experienced or is unlikely to ever see again, her face and laugh illuminated any space she entered,” Allen wrote.

Throughout her life, Diane was open about her personal challenges. In a 2015 interview with the Los Angeles Times, she spoke candidly about her family’s history with cancer and her own struggle with bulimia during her twenties.

Even amidst her challenges, she remained an icon, embodying authenticity, humor, and elegance — on screen and off.

Diane Keaton will be lovingly remembered by Hollywood and her fans as a true original, whose laughter, vitality, and timeless charm will inspire for generations to come. 💔