Diane Keaton's Family Releases 1st Statement After Her Surprise Death
Iconic film actress Diane Keaton was beloved by film audiences for a series of classic movies, including roles in The Godfather, Annie Hall, and more recent comedies.
Keaton never had a husband, so her closest next of kin are her adopted kids, Dexter and Duke. Her cause of death is not yet clear, although TMZ reported:
- Keaton was taken from her California home by ambulance on the morning of October 11.
- People also confirmed that the actress died in California but did not provide additional details of her death, which was unexpected to fans.
- "She declined very suddenly, which was heartbreaking for everyone who loved her,” a friend of Keaton's told People. “It was so unexpected, especially for someone with such strength and spirit."
What has her family said? Keaton's rep released a brief, first statement on their behalf.
Diane Keaton's Family Is Going Through 'Great Sadness,' the Statement Says
The statement from Keaton's rep was sent to Peopleand is only 22 words long. However, it still manages to convey the great pain that her family is understandably going through.
"There are no further details available at this time, and her family has asked for privacy in this moment of great sadness," the statement says.
Diane Keaton was a versatile actress who starred in both dramatic and comedic roles, and was known for her collaborations with director Woody Allen. Over the years, Keaton opened up about some of her most iconic film roles.
Diane Keaton Called 'The Godfather' Amazing for Her
For example, she spoke about being selected for The Godfather.
"I think the kindest thing that someone's ever done for me ... is that I got cast to be in The Godfather and I didn't even read it. I didn't know a single thing," she told People in 2022. "I just was going around auditioning. I think that was amazing for me. And then I had to kind of read the book."
The New York Post noted that it was not publicly known that Keaton was ill, but she had not been seen in public for six months at the time of her death.
Keaton's last post on her Instagram page was a promotional post in April 2025 that showed her with her dog. "Proof our pets have great taste too! Happy National Pet Day from HG & @diane_keaton ????????" reads the post.
The source told People: "In her final months, she was surrounded only by her closest family, who chose to keep things very private. Even longtime friends weren’t fully aware of what was happening.”
Celebrities joined fans in offering tributes to Keaton. "Diane Keaton has left us and I can’t tell you how profoundly sad that makes me," wrote Nancy Sinatra on X. "I adored her — idolized her. She was a very special person and an incredibly gifted actor, who made each of her roles unforgettable. Her light will continue to shine through the art she leaves behind. Godspeed, Diane. My heart goes out to her family and to each of us grieving this heartbreaking loss."
Singer Belinda Carlisle wrote on X, "I cant! Diane Keaton was such a talent and a BIG part of my career. She directed two videos of mine - 'Heaven Is A Place on Earth' and the video for 'I Get Weak.' She was kind and eccentric and I was blessed to know her. RIP Diane, you will be missed."