Hollywood has lost one of its most iconic TV moms.
Florence Henderson, famously known for her iconic role in The Brady Bunch, has passed away at the age of 82, said her manager and her publicist.
Henderson died Thursday night (November 24th) at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles surrounded by family and friends, after being hospitalized the day prior. The family said in a statement that Henderson had suffered heart failure.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear mother Florence Henderson from Heart Failure,” the Henderson family said in a statement. “On this day of thanks, our beloved mother was surrounded by her devoted children and dearest friends. We thank all of her fans for their many years of love and ask that we be allowed to grieve in private.”
With a career spanning more than 50 years, the actress started on Broadway when she was just 18, starring in musicals, such as Oklahoma! and The Sound of Music. She later became a television icon when she starred in The Brady Bunch for five seasons (1969-1974) as Carol Brady, the lovable matriarch of a blended family with six children. Though it ended in 1974, the show returned in the form of various specials, including The Brady Bunch Hour in 1977, The Brady Brides in 1981 and The Bradys in 1990.
“It represents what people always wanted: a loving family. It’s such a gentle, innocent, sweet show, and I guess it proved there’s always an audience for that,” Henderson said in 1999.
Henderson is survived by two daughters, two sons and five grandchildren. Those who knew her took to social media to remember the actress, including Maureen McCormick, who played her on-screen daughter Marcia Brady, and Barry Williams, who played the eldest son Greg Brady.
Florence Henderson was a dear friend for so very many years & in my <3 forever. Love & hugs to her family. I’ll miss u dearly #RIPFlorence
— Maureen McCormick (@MoMcCormick7) November 25, 2016
You are in my heart forever Florence💕 pic.twitter.com/PABCuPubA2
— Maureen McCormick (@MoMcCormick7) November 25, 2016
Deeply saddened. Florence was one of the most gracious people I have ever known, Proud to call her Mom and life long friend. #RIPFlorence
— Barry Williams (@MrBarryWilliams) November 25, 2016
So terribly sad to hear of the passing of the great Florence Henderson. It was a true honor to have known and worked with her. pic.twitter.com/bhgLigHEI4
— Al Yankovic (@alyankovic) November 25, 2016
Rest In Peace Florence Henderson, a dear lady with a great sense of humor & a terrific laugh. 'America's mom' has died.
— Larry King (@kingsthings) November 25, 2016
RIP the dear #Florence Henderson. You were a light.
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) November 25, 2016
RIP Florence Henderson. "The Brady Bunch" was everything.
— Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) November 25, 2016
Sad to read about the passing of Florence Henderson, one of the lovliest, most loveable and beloved people in our business
— carl reiner (@carlreiner) November 25, 2016
Florence Henderson-Warm Talented & kind passed away today.Thank you Florence for being such a kind generous friend to Alexis.
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) November 25, 2016
Florence Henderson, thanks for your light and love. You were America's mom, and we shall miss you dearly.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) November 25, 2016
Raise your hand if Carol Brady was your second mother. Rest in peace forever, Florence Henderson! pic.twitter.com/LwYMFNMawC
— Ree Drummond (@thepioneerwoman) November 25, 2016
