Suzanne Somers' family celebrates 'Three's Company' star's birthday 2 days after death
Suzanne Somers' family has come together to celebrate her 77th birthday, two days after the star died of cancer.
The actress, best known for her roles in TV's "Three's Company" and "She's the Sheriff," died at 76 "peacefully at home" on Sunday after a long battle with breast cancer.
On Tuesday, Suzanne's husband, Alan Hamel, and son, Bruce Somers Jr., celebrated her birthday with her other children and grandchildren around a heart-shaped cake lit with candles.
"Thank you for the out-pouring of love and affection for Suzanne," the family wrote on Somers' Instagram.
The family also shared a link to a "tribute book" on suzannesomers.com for fans to pay respects.
"The most comforting gesture for us is to hear how Suzanne affected all of your lives," The family wrote. "... We would greatly appreciate it if you would add your comments. It helps for us to hear how her legacy of love lives on in all of you."
Somers' longtime publicist, R. Couri Hay, shared a statement on behalf of the actress' family with the news of her death Sunday. The actress "survived an aggressive form" of breast cancer for more than 23 years.
"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 Oct. 16th. Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly."
The actress − born Suzanne Marie Mahoney − would have turned 77 on Monday. Ahead of her birthday, and seemingly in good spirits, she spoke to People magazine about how she planned to celebrate.
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Somers told the outlet in an interview published Sunday before news of her death was announced that she planned to be with her "nearest and dearest," including her "beloved husband Alan (Hamel), our three children, Leslie, Stephen, and Bruce, (his wife) Caroline, plus our six wonderful grandchildren."
"I heard Caroline is making her famous short rib tacos and I have asked for copious amounts of cake," Somers said. "I really love cake."
Suzanne Somers' deathhas devastated fans. It's OK to grieve.