Hollywood is mourning the loss of Academy Award–winning actress Diane Keaton, who passed away at the age of 79. Known for her distinctive fashion sense, sharp wit, and unforgettable performances, Keaton’s death has prompted tributes from across the entertainment industry. Newly released 911 audio has provided insight into the final hours of the beloved star’s life.
Emergency Call Reveals Final Moments
According to TMZ, emergency dispatch audio obtained on October 11, 2025, revealed that Los Angeles first responders were called to Keaton’s home early Saturday morning. In the recording, a dispatcher can be heard instructing responders about a “person down” at the actress’s residence.
The Los Angeles Fire Department later confirmed that paramedics responded to a medical emergency at the address. The person was transported to a nearby hospital, where they were later identified as Diane Keaton. A spokesperson for Keaton’s family told People magazine that she “died peacefully” surrounded by her loved ones in the early morning hours.
The official cause of death has not yet been determined, and an autopsy is expected to be conducted by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner. No foul play is suspected, and no additional details about the medical emergency have been released at this time.
Family and Friends Reflect on Her Final Months
Family members confirmed Keaton’s passing in a statement to People, highlighting her vibrant spirit and the private nature of her final months. According to a close friend who spoke with the outlet, Keaton’s health had declined rapidly in recent months.
“She declined very suddenly, which was heartbreaking for everyone who loved her,” the friend said. “It was so unexpected, especially for someone with such strength and spirit.”
The friend added that in her final months, Keaton was surrounded by her closest family members, who chose to keep the details of her health private. Even some longtime friends were unaware of the severity of her condition.
Impact of California Wildfires
In the months before her passing, Keaton spent time in Palm Springs after her Los Angeles home sustained damage from California wildfires, according to Grammy and Oscar-winning songwriter Carole Bayer Sager. Sager co-wrote Keaton’s holiday single “First Christmas” and visited the actress a few weeks before her death.
“I saw her two or three weeks ago, and she was very thin,” Sager told People. “She had lost so much weight. She was down in Palm Springs for a while, and when she came back, I was kind of stunned by how much weight she’d lost.”
Despite her health challenges, Sager described Keaton as “a magic light” who continued to create and express herself artistically until the end. “She lit up a room with her energy. She was happy and upbeat and taking photographs of everything she saw. She never stopped creating,” Sager said.
Tributes from Hollywood Icons
Following the announcement of Keaton’s passing, tributes poured in from her friends, collaborators, and fellow actors. Actress Goldie Hawn shared a heartfelt message on Instagram:
“Diane, we aren’t ready to lose you. You’ve left us with a trail of fairy dust, filled with particles of light and memories beyond imagination. Shine your fairy dust up there, girlfriend. I’m going to miss you.”
Singer and actress Bette Midler also paid tribute, describing Keaton as “brilliant, beautiful, and extraordinary,” while actor Steve Martin, who co-starred with Keaton in films like Father of the Bride, called her “a singular talent who changed cinema.”
A Legendary Career
Diane Keaton’s acting career spanned over five decades, during which she became one of Hollywood’s most beloved and respected performers. She rose to prominence in the 1970s with her role as Kay Adams-Corleone in The Godfather (1972) and its sequels. Her collaborations with director Woody Allen — particularly her performance in Annie Hall (1977) — earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Keaton was known for her ability to seamlessly blend humor and vulnerability, often portraying characters who were intelligent, quirky, and deeply human. Her filmography includes acclaimed works such as:
-
Annie Hall (1977)
-
Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977)
-
Reds (1981)
-
Baby Boom (1987)
-
The First Wives Club (1996)
-
Something’s Gotta Give (2003)
-
Book Club (2018) and Book Club: The Next Chapter (2023)
In addition to acting, Keaton worked as a director, producer, author, and photographer. She was also known for her advocacy for historic preservation and architecture, often purchasing and restoring historic homes in Los Angeles.
Style Icon and Cultural Influence
Keaton’s influence extended far beyond film. Her signature style — often featuring wide-brimmed hats, tailored suits, turtlenecks, and oversized belts — became iconic, inspiring fashion designers and celebrities alike. She frequently wore menswear-inspired outfits, setting trends that challenged conventional Hollywood glamour.
In interviews over the years, Keaton expressed that her style was both a personal expression and a form of self-protection, giving her a sense of confidence and individuality. Her look remains one of the most recognizable in Hollywood history.
Legacy That Transcends Generations
Throughout her life, Keaton remained a private person, choosing to focus on her family and creative passions rather than celebrity culture. She adopted two children, Dexter and Duke, who survive her.
Her passing marks the end of an era for Hollywood, but her influence continues to inspire new generations of actors, filmmakers, and fans. Keaton’s ability to balance comedy and drama, her unique sense of style, and her fearless individuality made her a true original.
