Suzanne Somers, Star of ‘Three’s Company’ and ‘Step by Step,’ Has Died at 76 Years Old

Television icon Suzanne Somers has died at 76 years old. The Three’s Company and Step by Step star “passed away peacefully” following a yearslong battle with breast cancer—just one day ahead of what would have been her 77th birthday on October 16.

“Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of October 15th. She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years,” Somers’ publicist R. Couri Hay wrote in a statement to People. “Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family.”

The statement continued, “Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on October 16th. Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.”

Shortly before her death, Somers spoke with People about her 77th birthday plans with her husband, Alan Hamel, their three children, and six grandchildren. “I heard [my daughter-in-law] Caroline is making her famous short rib tacos and I have asked for copious amounts of cake,” the actor and author told the publication. “I really love cake.”

Over the summer Somers announced her cancer had returned 23 years after her initial diagnosis in 2000. “Since I have been taking time off from work, many of you have asked for more details about my health,” she captioned an Instagram photo with Hamel on July 31. “As you know, I had breast cancer two decades ago, and every now and then it pops up again, and I continue to bat it down. I have used the best alternative and conventional treatments to combat it. This is not new territory for me. I know how to put on my battle gear and I’m a fighter.”