Suzanne Somers Dead At 76 Following Cancer Battle

Suzanne Somers has passed away.

The 76-year-old star died after fighting a type of cancer that many people thought she had whipped years ago.

It had come back apparently, but Somers expressed confidence in her ability to persevere.

"Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Oct. 15. She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years," Somers' longtime publicist, R. Couri Hay said, adding:

Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband, Alan Hamel, her son, Bruce, and her immediate family.

Somers family had planned to gather in her honor on Suzanne's 77th birthday.

Suzanne never made it.

She died the day before.

The family isn't wasting their trip to see her.

"Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly," Hay said. "A private family burial will take place this week, with a memorial to follow next month."