We have an update on the sad passing of Florence Henderson.
As previously reported, the beloved former Brady Bunch actress died on Thanksgiving night in Los Angeles.
Henderson passed away at the age of 82, so it’s hard to say this death came as a complete shock.
But there had been no early reports or indications that she was sick in any way.
Now, however, TMZ confirms that Henderson suffered from heart problems for about a decade prior to her passing.
That website has obtained the star’s death certificate, which notes this long-standing physical ailment and says Henderson was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat in 2011.
Henderson, of course, was best known for having played Carol Brady on The Brady Bunch.
Her death came as a surprise to many fans because she had just recently been seen – looking perfectly fit and healthy – in the audience of Dancing With the Stars on November 21.
The veteran actress was a contestant on the ABC competition back in 2010, and was there this time around in support of her fictional daughter Maureen McCormick (Marcia Brady on the hit 1970s TV series), who competed on the most recent season of Dancing with the Stars.
“She looked great,” a witness told Us Weekly, adding:
“She was with a female friend or relative and was in the front row to the left of the judges. … [She] enjoyed the show so much. Even the audience warm-up guy pointed her out as ‘America’s favorite mom,’ and everyone cheered for her.”
During her long, storied and respected Hollywood career, Henderson was the first woman to guest-host The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
She also contributed to the Today show and cohosted her own talk show, The Florence Henderson Show, which ran from 2007 to 2009.
She earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1996.
Upon her death, condolences poured in from all sectors of Hollwood.
McCormick, for example, Tweeted the following:
“Florence Henderson was a dear friend for so very many years & in my [heart] forever. Love & hugs to her family. I’ll miss u dearly #RIPFlorence.”
Carrie Ann Inaba added:
“Broken hearted. She was like a mom to us all. I’m grateful I had the chance to get to know you these past few years. RIP #FlorenceHenderson.”
The actress was married twice and is survived by her four children, Barbara, Elizabeth, Joseph and Robert, and five grandchildren.
May she rest in peace.