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Florence Henderson, Famed Mum Of 'The Brady Bunch', Dead At 82

She was known for her seminal role as Carol Brady.
Florence Henderson died at the age of 82 in Los Angeles, her rep said.
Credit: Danny Moloshok / Reuters
Florence Henderson died at the age of 82 in Los Angeles, her rep said.
Florence Henderson died at the age of 82 in Los Angeles, her rep said.
Credit: Danny Moloshok / Reuters
Florence Henderson died at the age of 82 in Los Angeles, her rep said.

Florence Henderson, known for playing mom Carol Brady on “The Brady Bunch,” has died. She was 82.

She died Thursday night surrounded by family at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, her manager confirmed to The Huffington Post. The cause was heart failure. She had been hospitalized on Wednesday.

Henderson was beloved by millions for her role as the matriarch of the blended Brady family living in 1970s America. The show debuted in 1969 and lived on in popular culture for decades.

Those who knew Henderson took to social media to remember the actress, including Maureen McCormick, who played her on-screen daughter Marcia Brady.

Henderson’s career spanned more than 50 years, beginning on Broadway when she was just 18. She was quickly cast in a lead role in the seminal musical “Oklahoma!” before moving on to productions of “The Sound of Music,” “The King and I” and “South Pacific.”

Other notable moments included a stint as the first female guest host on “The Tonight Show,” and the release of a cookbook based on the cooking series “Country Kitchen.”

Throughout her career, Henderson was known for her philanthropy work, supporting causes including City of Hope and the House Ear Institute. Henderson experienced sudden hearing loss in 1965, and underwent corrective surgery in both ears, according to the Associated Press.

In 2010, Henderson competed on “Dancing with Stars” and was the fifth competitor to be voted off that season. She made a surprise appearance on the dancing show this September, dressed up in character as Mrs. Brady.

Henderson is survived by two daughters, two sons and five grandchildren.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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