"an acute prolonged illness," the actress' representative Cheryl J. Kagan confirmed to USA TODAY. She was surrounded by her family, who wrote in a statement: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife,

Loni Anderson Cause of Death: How Did the 'WKRP in Cincinnati' Star Die? originally appeared on Parade. Actress Loni Anderson, best known for starring on WKRP in Cincinnati, died on Sunday, August 3, just days before her birthday, according to the Associated Press. Anderson would have turned 80 years old on August 5.