What Health Issue Did Loni Anderson Have Before Death?

Loni Anderson died from an acute prolonged illness on August 3 2025.
Her exact condition was not publicly disclosed.
She was a strong advocate for COPD awareness due to her parents’ struggles.
Anderson never smoked but cared for her parents who had smoking-related COPD.

The entertainment world mourns the loss of Loni Anderson, the beloved WKRP in Cincinnati star, who passed away at 79.

While her legacy as a TV icon remains, fans wonder about the health struggles she faced before her death. Reports confirm she battled an “acute prolonged illness,” though specifics were kept private. Here’s what we know.

Loni Anderson’s Cause of Death: An Acute Prolonged Illness

Loni Anderson died on August 3, 2025, just days before her 80th birthday. Her publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan, stated she succumbed to an “acute prolonged illness” at a Los Angeles hospital. The exact condition was not disclosed, but her family emphasized her strength in facing it.

“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, and grandmother,” her family shared in a statement.

Despite her illness, Anderson continued working, with her last role in Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas (2023).

‘HEARTBROKEN’: Loni Anderson, who famously portrayed receptionist Jennifer Marlowe in the comedy “WKRP in Cincinnati,” has died at a Los Angeles hospital following a “prolonged” illness. She was 79. pic.twitter.com/UubP73Y7lV

— Fox News (@FoxNews)

Her Advocacy for COPD and Personal Health Struggles

While Anderson’s final illness remains unspecified, she was a vocal advocate for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) awareness. Both her parents suffered from the disease due to smoking.

In a past interview, she recalled:

“My mom would say, ‘I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe,’ and my dad said, ‘I feel like I’m drowning.’ And yet, they wanted another cigarette. It was shocking.”

Anderson herself never smoked but witnessed its devastating effects firsthand. She supported organizations like the National Lung Health Education Program.

Tributes from Hollywood and Loved Ones

Co-stars and friends honored Anderson’s warmth and talent.

Barbara Eden (I Dream of Jeannie) wrote: