As tributes keep coming in for the iconic actor Diane Keaton, her family has revealed that the Oscar recipient passed away due to pneumonia.
Her family revealed the cause of death in astatement to People on Oct. 15. Keaton died at 79 on Oct. 11.
"The Keaton family expresses deep gratitude for the incredible messages of love and support they have received in recent days, on behalf of their cherished Diane, who passed away from pneumonia on October 11," the statement said.
Keaton's family and friends also supported donations to nearby animal shelters or food banks in her memory, which were issues she cared deeply about.
The actress known for "Annie Hall" was last seen on screen in 2024 with her movie "Summer Camp."
Her family did not provide any additional information regarding her condition, but Keaton's friend, songwriter Carole Bayer Sager, statedPeopleShe had recently met with Keaton and was taken aback by how she looked.
I encountered her two or three weeks back, and she appeared quite slim," Sager mentioned. "She had shed a significant amount of weight.
Nevertheless, Sager mentioned that her spirit remained just as robust as before.
She was a magical presence for everyone," Sager said. "I just adored her. She was truly unique, lighting up a room with her energy. She was always cheerful and positive, capturing everything she saw through her camera. She was entirely creative; she never ceased to create.
Diane Keaton's Reason for Passing Away Was Pneumonia
Keaton's age increased her likelihood of experiencing serious consequences from pneumonia.
NBC News medical expert Dr. Natalie Azar discussed the signs and impacts of pneumonia on October 16, focusing on high-risk populations.
Pneumonia is an infection that affects the lungs," Azar explained. "It can result from various organisms — such as bacteria, viruses, or even fungi. Bacterial pneumonia is the most frequently encountered form of this condition.
Although Azar stated it is "very treatable," it can still be deadly, with approximately 41,000 fatalities each year in the United States and 1.2 million emergency room visits caused by pneumonia annually.
Keaton's age placed her in a more vulnerable category for a severe infection. Azar also mentioned that it remains uncertain what kind of pneumonia Keaton had.
She identified four groups that are especially susceptible to severe consequences from pneumonia.
- Infants
- People over 65
- People with chronic diseases
- Individuals with compromised immune systems
Symptoms of Pneumonia
Azar urged individuals to recognize the signs of pneumonia, such as:
- Bluish lips or fingertips
- New shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- High fever
- Severe wet cough
How to Prevent a Severe Infection Caused by Pneumonia
Azar mentioned that not all forms of pneumonia have vaccines available, but there are immunizations for some.RSV, COVID-19, and influenza, which are all contagious diseases that may progress to pneumonia.
She also recommended a different vaccine for prevention.
"The pneumococcal vaccine, this is very significant. Streptococcus pneumoniae is among the most severe forms of pneumonia. Recently, within the past year, the CDC reduced the recommended age for receiving the pneumococcal vaccine from 65 to 50.
And once more, I want to remind everyone," she added. "No smoking, ensure you receive all your vaccinations, and keep up a healthy way of life—these measures can also aid in preventing pneumonia.
This piece was first released onHealthy urvival