For those who had the pleasure of knowing her, Diane Keaton was a delightful presence full of life, cherishing countless traditions with her friends and family before she passed away.
Her close friend Lynda Resnick shared a glimpse of Keaton’s vibrant personality outside of the limelight before her death at the age of 79 on Saturday, October 11. The First Wives Club star was fondly remembered for her radiant spirit and for hosting weekly movie nights every Saturday with a close-knit group that included Carole Bayer Sager, Sherry Lansing, and Lauren Shuler Donner.
“It was a love at first sight moment,” Resnick recounted to People on Tuesday, October 10, recalling her initial meeting with Keaton in 2016 and celebrating her authenticity and talent.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Resnick noted that Keaton worked hard to maintain connections with her friends via Zoom, often appearing in her trademark black or white turtleneck. Keaton consistently embodied her distinctive style, favoring menswear, bowler hats, and precisely tailored garments both on-screen and off. “Diane was always in character,” Resnick reflected on her iconic look.
Keaton was also known for her unforgettable holiday gifts, including “extraordinary books so large that a U-Haul was required for delivery,” Resnick reminisced.
“One year, she gifted canisters for cookies and treats with black and white tops, inspired by her signature style,” she added.
Diane Keaton Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
Resnick remembered Keaton as someone who was “full of life, love, and happiness,” expressing, “Being with Diane was always a joy, and I will tremendously miss her.”
In the months leading to Keaton’s passing, she enjoyed quality time with several notable friends, including attending Jack Nicholson’s birthday celebration (Nicholson celebrated his 88th on April 22).
“I saw her recently at Jack Nicholson’s birthday party, and it was wonderful to see her there,” remarked Ed Begley Jr., Keaton’s co-star from Book Club, during an interview with People on Saturday. “She adored Jack Nicholson, as do I, and I know he cherishes her just as much. I can only imagine how devastated he must be by her passing.”
Begley Jr. also confided in Us Weekly about the heart-wrenching moment he learned of Keaton’s death after years of friendship.
“It struck me hard when I received the news of her passing,” he shared with Us. “Her spirit will always be with us. She will never be forgotten.”
Begley Jr. described Keaton as “like a sister” and a cherished friend with whom he shared an extraordinary bond.
“I held her dear to my heart,” he expressed.
According to a 911 call obtained by TMZ, authorities were called to respond to a report of a “person down” at Keaton’s residence in Los Angeles on Saturday morning. She was later transported to a local hospital. The cause of her death has not yet been disclosed.
“No additional details are available at this time, and her family has requested privacy during this profoundly sad time,” a spokesperson for Keaton stated to People on Saturday.
