The final photo posted of Diane Keaton has been unearthed after the Hollywood legend died aged 79 on Saturday.
While no further details of the Oscar-winner’s death were officially released, an insider has since revealed it was ‘unexpected’.
On April 11, Keaton posted on Instagram for the final time, sharing a photo of her smiling and hugging her golden retriever dog, who was poised expectedly over a bag of treats.
The Annie Hall actor is seen kneeling on the floor by the dog, looking the picture of happiness, while celebrating National Pet Day in the caption.
Fans took to the comment section of the heartbreaking final post to share their memories of Keaton.
Stylelvr said Keaton, whose health was said to have declined ‘very suddenly’, ‘reminded little boys and girls who felt different that they were worthy of love’.
‘You remind us that being yourself and living authentically is the boldest role you can play,’ they added.
California eatery Society Bakery Cafe, who remembered Keaton visiting, described her as ‘the nicest person, so down to earth. You could just read her soul’.
An animal rescue centre also commented with an anecdote of their unlikely run in with Keaton.
‘A couple of years ago Diane Keaton saw me trying to help a stray dog who was running down Sunset Boulevard,’ they wrote.
‘She pulled over, grabbed a bag of treats from her car, and spent the next 2.5 hours on foot with me. Sadly we never got the pup, but I walked away knowing that I had just spent the afternoon with the very best of humans. Rest in Paradise Diane.’
While Keaton’s family – including children Dexter, 29, and Duke, 25, have asked for privacy to mourn their great loss – a source told People magazine has revealed the film titan ‘declined very suddenly, which was heartbreaking for everyone who loved her’.
‘It was so unexpected, especially for someone with such strength and spirit,’ they continued, adding: ‘In her final months, she was surrounded only by her closest family, who chose to keep things very private. Even longtime friends weren’t fully aware of what was happening.’
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
In March, Diane put her ‘dream home’ in Brentwood, California, up for sale, despite previously vowing to stay there forever, and she was no longer regularly seen in the area walking her dogs.
Another source said: ‘She lived in Brentwood for many years.
‘She loved her neighbourhood. Up until just a few months ago, she’d walk her dog every day. She was usually dressed the same, with a hat and her signature sunglasses regardless of the weather.
‘She was always very nice, funny and chatty. She’d talk to her dog like he was a person. She was eccentric and had this old-school Hollywood aura. She was very, very special.’
The late star is best known for her roles in classic movies such as The Godfather, Father of the Bride and Annie Hall, for which she won an Academy Award in 1977.
Among Hollywood stars who have paid heartfelt tributes are Reese Witherspoon, Bette Midler, Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, and Goldie Hawn.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.