It’s been a few months since we lost her, and honestly, the world feels a little less vibrant without that signature laugh and those oversized hats. When the news broke on October 11, 2025, that Diane Keaton had passed away at age 79, it felt like the end of an era. She was more than just an actress; she was a mood. A style. A total original who never quite fit the Hollywood mold, and we loved her for it.
But because she was so private in her final months, a lot of rumors started swirling. You know how the internet gets. People were speculating about everything from her old health battles to sudden tragedies.
The truth, as confirmed by her family a few days after she passed, was both simpler and more heartbreaking than the rumors. Diane Keaton's cause of death was pneumonia. ### The Sudden Decline in Brentwood
For a woman who seemed to have endless energy—flipping houses, directing, and starring in movies well into her late 70s—the end came surprisingly fast. Her health "declined very suddenly," according to close friends who spoke with People.
She had been staying at her home in Brentwood, California. In a move that we now realize was probably related to her failing health, she actually listed her famous "dream home" for sale back in March 2025. It was a shock at the time because she’d always said she’d never leave that place.
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Keaton was surrounded by her children, Dexter and Duke, in those final days. They kept things quiet. Even some of her longtime friends didn't realize how bad things had gotten until it was too late.
What People Got Wrong About Her History
When someone as famous as Keaton passes, everyone starts looking back at their medical history like they’re a doctor. A lot of people pointed to her history with skin cancer or her past struggles with bulimia, wondering if those played a role.
Let's look at the facts:
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- Skin Cancer: She was first diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma at just 21. Later, she had squamous cell cancer that required two surgeries. It’s why she was always in those hats and turtlenecks—it wasn't just a "look," it was protection.
- Eating Disorder: She was incredibly brave about her recovery from bulimia, which she struggled with in her 20s.
- Pneumonia: Despite these past battles, it was a respiratory infection that ultimately took her. Pneumonia can be incredibly aggressive in people around their 80s, even if they seem relatively healthy.
Emma Stone recently talked about Diane in W Magazine, calling her a "North Star." It’s a sentiment shared by everyone from Woody Allen to Steve Martin. She was working right up until the end, with projects like Summer Camp released in 2024 and several films still in pre-production when she died.
A Legacy of "Annie Hall" and Beyond
Keaton didn't just win an Oscar; she changed how women dressed and acted on screen. She was the queen of the "quirky" lead before that was even a thing. From the Godfather trilogy to Father of the Bride, her range was actually pretty wild.
Her family asked that instead of flowers, people should support causes she actually cared about. She was huge on animal rescue and helping the unhoused community.
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What We Can Learn From Her Story
Losing an icon like this reminds us that even the most spirited people are vulnerable. If you're looking for a way to honor her, here's what actually matters:
Get checked. Keaton was a massive advocate for skin cancer screenings because of her own family history. If you've been putting off that dermatologist appointment, do it for Diane.
Wear the sunscreen. She famously regretted not taking sun care seriously until her 40s. Don't wait that long.
Be yourself, aggressively. That was her whole thing. Whether it was wearing men's ties or refusing to get plastic surgery in an industry that demands it, she was authentically Diane until the very last day.
If you want to dive deeper into her life, check out her memoir Then Again. It's a raw, honest look at her relationship with her mother and her own insecurities, written in that scattered, beautiful way only she could pull off.