Diane Keaton cuddles up to her dog in last photo before she died aged 79

Hollywood icon Diane Keaton was seen smiling with her dog in her last photo before her death at the age of 79.

The Godfather star was seen smiling brightly and looking healthy as he posed with his dog Reggie in an April 11 Instagram post promoting the Hudson Grace dog statue and dog biscuits.

She was seen sitting on the floor of her home, petting her dog, who was flashing a happy smile in the hope of snacking on some packaged biscuits.

A family spokesman confirmed People The star passed away in California. No further details were disclosed.

His loved ones have requested privacy as they mourn his loss.

Bette Midler paid tribute to the actress. The duo starred in the 1996 comedy-drama The First Wives Club.

‘I can’t tell you how unbearably sad this makes me. He was hilarious and lacked any guile or competitiveness one would expect from such a star. What you saw was who he was… ah, la, lala!’

Piers Morgan also paid tribute to X, writing: ‘RIP Diane Keaton, 79. The Oscar-winning star of Annie Hall is brilliant in The Godfather and Father of the Bride. She is one of Hollywood’s greatest actresses and a lovely lady. It’s sad news.”

Diane Keaton, one of Hollywood’s most distinctive and beloved stars, passed away at the age of 79; (Pictured at last public appearance in December 2024)

Actress Elizabeth Banks wrote on Instagram: ‘He was well loved in his industry. Each of us idolizes him.

‘His impact on culture, fashion, art and women cannot be overstated. It was a pleasure. I’m proud to have had a career that allowed me to meet him and breathe his air.’

Keaton’s Hollywood career spanned five decades, from his breakthrough in The Godfather trilogy to his Oscar-winning turn in Annie Hall.

He became the defining face of 1970s cinema, later cementing his legacy with hits such as Baby Boom, Father of the Bride, The First Wives Club and Something’s Gotta Give.

In recent years, Book Club has again delighted audiences with its films, proving its enduring appeal across generations.

She was born Diane Hall in Los Angeles on January 5, 1946.

Keaton studied acting at Santa Ana College before heading to New York City to study at the prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse.

She made her Broadway debut in 1968 as part of the original cast of Hair and quickly attracted attention for her wit and poise.

She made her breakthrough in 1972 with the movie The Godfather, in which she played Kay Adams-Corleone opposite Al Pacino.

Throughout the 1980s and ’90s, Keaton built a unique resume with standout roles in films such as Reds, Baby Boom and Father of the Bride (pictured).

She would later star in Lovers and Other Strangers, but made her breakthrough in 1972’s The Godfather, in which she played Kay Adams-Corleone opposite Al Pacino.

This role made him a household name and he made a name for himself as he continued acting.

Keaton also made his mark on television; In particular, in 2016, he starred opposite Jude Law in the acclaimed mini-series The Young Pope.

A year later, his decades-long contribution to cinema was recognized when he received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the American Film Institute’s gala.

In August 2022, the Hollywood icon was further celebrated with a Hand and Footprint Ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre.

Off screen, Keaton led a fiercely independent life.

In her 50s, she adopted two children (daughter Dexter and son Duke) and proudly remained unmarried, despite past relationships with Hollywood notables such as Woody Allen, Warren Beatty, Al Pacino and Jack Nicholson.

‘I think I’m the only person in my generation, and perhaps before, who has been a single woman all her life,’ she once said.

‘I don’t think it would be a good idea for me to get married and I’m really glad I didn’t.’