Diane Keaton Cause of Death: Mystery Deepens as Close Friend Reveals Dramatic Weight Loss Before Her Passing

Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton’s cause of death remains unknown, but new details from one of her closest friends are raising questions about her final months. Carole Bayer Sager, a longtime friend and collaborator, revealed that Keaton had experienced significant and dramatic weight loss shortly before her death at 79.

“I saw her two or three weeks ago, and she was very thin,” Sager told People in an interview published October 12, 2025. “She had lost so much weight.” The revelation comes amid growing speculation about Keaton’s declining health, which friends say deteriorated rapidly in the months leading up to her death.

Close Friend Recalls Final Days and Sudden Health Decline

Diane Keaton, known for her iconic roles in “Annie Hall,” “The Godfather,” and “Something’s Gotta Give,” died on October 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. The actress’s family has asked for privacy and declined to share details surrounding her death, fueling widespread public interest in the circumstances.

Sager, 81, who co-wrote Keaton’s 2024 single “First Christmas,” described how their contact had been limited this year due to the devastating wildfires in California. Keaton had relocated temporarily to Palm Springs after her home sustained smoke damage. “She was down there for a while, and when she came back, I was stunned by how much weight she’d lost,” Sager said.

Keaton reportedly kept her health struggles private, choosing to remain surrounded by her closest family members, including her adopted children Dexter, 29, and Duke, 25. Friends told People that the actress, who was often seen walking her golden retriever Reggie in Brentwood, California, stopped appearing in public earlier this year.

Another source confirmed that Keaton’s health “declined very suddenly” in the final months. Despite this, Sager described her friend as “a magic light for everyone” and “completely creative” even in her last weeks, capturing photos of everything around her.

Tributes Pour In as Industry Mourns a Hollywood Legend

Keaton’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the entertainment world. Actor Robert De Niro, who starred alongside her in “Marvin’s Room,” called her “brilliant, funny, and unapologetically herself.” He added, “A legend, an icon, and a truly kind human being. I had the honor of working with her at 18. She will be deeply missed.”

“Father of the Bride” co-star Steve Martin and actress Reese Witherspoon also honored Keaton’s legacy, highlighting her influence on generations of performers and filmmakers. Keaton’s body of work earned her an Academy Award, a BAFTA, and two Golden Globes during a career that spanned five decades.

Despite stepping back from public appearances, Keaton hinted in a 2022 interview with Us Weekly that she was open to more projects. “I would say more of everything that comes my way. I’ve been so lucky,” she said. “I just don’t want to push off anything without knowing if I could have a chance.”

As questions remain about Diane Keaton’s cause of death, her sudden weight loss and rapid health decline add a layer of mystery to the beloved star’s final chapter. Her enduring legacy, both on screen and off, continues to inspire tributes from fans and colleagues around the world.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is known about Diane Keaton’s cause of death?

The exact cause of Diane Keaton’s death has not been disclosed. Her family has requested privacy, and friends have described a sudden health decline in recent months.

Q2: Did Diane Keaton have any known health issues?

Friends have revealed that Keaton experienced significant weight loss and withdrew from public life earlier this year, but she kept her health struggles private.

Q3: What did Carole Bayer Sager say about Keaton’s final days?

Sager said she was “stunned” by Keaton’s dramatic weight loss and described her as a “magic light” who remained creative and upbeat despite her condition.

Q4: Who are Diane Keaton’s children?

Keaton adopted two children: Dexter in 1996 and Duke in 2001. They remained by her side in her final months.

Q5: What legacy does Diane Keaton leave behind?

Keaton’s legacy spans decades of iconic performances, including “Annie Hall” and “The Godfather,” and she is remembered as one of Hollywood’s most influential actresses.

References

People. (2025). Diane Keaton’s Close Friend Details Dramatic Weight Loss Before Death: ‘She Was Very Thin’. October 12, 2025.

Associated Press. (2025). Diane Keaton, Oscar-Winning Actress, Dies at 79. October 11, 2025.

BBC News. (2025). Hollywood Pays Tribute to Diane Keaton After Death at 79. October 11, 2025.