Valerie Harper | Entertainment News, Photos, and Videos

Valerie Harper has sadly died at the age of 80 following a long battle with cancer.

The beloved actress passed away on Friday morning (August 30) at 10:06am, her family told ABC News.

Valerie was best known for playing the character Rhoda Morgenstern on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and later on her own spinoff series Rhoda.

Back in January 2013, Valerie was told by doctors that she only had three months to live after cancer cells spread to the membrane surrounding her brain, but her cancer was near remission eight months later. Shortly after her recovery, she appeared as a contestant on Dancing With the Stars and later returned to acting in a few projects later on.

A GoFundMe page was set up last month to raise money for Valerie‘s healthcare funds.

We send our thoughts and condolences to Valerie‘s loved ones during this difficult time.

Valerie Harper‘s husband Tony Cacciotti has revealed that he has chosen not to send her to hospice care, despite doctors’ recommendations.

The husband of the 79-year-old Mary Tyler Moore Show actress took to Facebook on Tuesday (July 23) to share his thoughts.

“I have been told by doctors to put Val in Hospice care and I can’t [because of our 40 years of shared commitment to each other] and I won’t because of the amazing good deeds she has graced us with while she’s been here on earth,” he wrote.

“We will continue going forward as long as the powers above allow us, I will do my very best in making Val as comfortable as possible,” he continued. “There are two special ANGELS on this planet masquerading as humans who live and work together, that have made it possible to have all of Val’s needs taken care of.”

“For those of you who have been in this position, you will totally understand that ‘it’s hard letting go,’” he added. “So as long as I’m able and capable, I’ll be where I belong right beside her.”

“Many, many thanks for your outpouring of kindness and support,” Tony Cacciotti finished.

Valerie Harper was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2009 and brain cancer in 2013.

READ MORE: Valerie Harper Gets GoFundMe Page for Healthcare Funds Amid Cancer Battle

Valerie Harper, the Emmy-winning actress best known for her work as Rhoda on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, is in need of funds for her healthcare and a friend has launched a GoFundMe page to provide support.

The 79-year-old actress was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2009 and then brain cancer in 2013. She has been bravely fighting the cancer ever since.

“Valerie has been grateful over the years for the medical breakthroughs along this difficult journey but insurance doesn’t cover everything,” Valerie‘s friend wrote on the GoFundMe page. “There are unrelenting medical costs on a continuous basis. Valerie is currently taking a multitude of medications and chemotherapy drugs as well as going through extreme physical and painful challenges now with around the clock, 24/7 care immediately needed which is not covered by insurance. This is just part of the daily cost that is without a doubt a financial burden that could never be met alone. This GoFundMe initiative from Tony, is to ensure she receives the best care possible.”

The fundraising campaign was reportedly put up quietly and just sent around to members of the Screen Actors Guild, according to ShowBiz411.com. The campaign has since gone public and donations are pouring in from around the world.

You can visit GoFundMe.com right now to donate to Valerie’s healthcare.

Valerie Harper has nothing but the nicest things to say about her late co-star Mary Tyler Moore!

The 78-year-old actress says that Mary was the most “giving person” but her biggest gift of all was something you wouldn’t expect!

“She taught me to divorce,” Valerie told People.

Valerie went on to explain that she was the first person Mary told about her plans to separate from her second husband.

The news “ignited” Valerie to make up her mind to finally end her own marriage, which led to her finding her now-husband Tony Cacciotti.

“He’s the reason I’m still here,” Valerie said.

Valerie Harper has sent out a tribute to her longtime friend and former co-star, Mary Tyler Moore, following her death at the age of 80.

The legendary actresses worked together on The Mary Tyler Moore Show as best friends and neighbors Mary and Rhoda.

Mary made her final television appearance in 2013 while guest starring on an episode of Hot in Cleveland alongside other Mary Tyler Moore Show stars like Cloris Leachman, Georgia Engel, and Betty White.

Click inside to read Valerie Harper’s tribute… More Here! »

Sarah Paulson poses with girlfriend Holland Taylor while attending the 2016 Television Critics Association Awards held during the 2016 Television Critics Association Summer Tour at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Saturday (August 6) in Beverly Hills, Calif.

The cute couple was joined by Sarah‘s The People Vs. OJ Simpson co-star Cuba Gooding Jr., as well as showrunner Ryan Murphy.

Also in attendance were Grace and Frankie‘s Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend‘s Rachel Bloom, Jane the Virgin‘s Jaime Camil, The Americans star Holly Taylor, Looking‘s Jonathan Groff, Valerie Harper, and Samantha Bee.

FYI: Holly is carrying an Alexandra Clancy clutch and wearing Ilana Ariel earrings.

30+ pictures inside of Sarah Paulson, Holland Taylor, and more at the TCA Awards…More Here! »

Valerie Harper was rushed to a hospital before a performance of her musical Nice Work If You Can Get It at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine on Wednesday evening (July 29).

ET reports that the fire department received a call for a 75-year-old actress backstage and unconscious. The artistic director also told the audience that Valerie would no longer be able to perform.

The director told the crowd, “She wants all of you to know after some fluids and rest she hopes to be right back here on stage later this week.”

A source tells the publication, “It doesn’t look good.”

However, the playhouse released a statement, “Valerie Harper was taken to a local hospital as a precaution before her July 29 evening performance of Nice Work If You Can Get It, at the Ogunquit Playhouse, after reporting that she was not feeling well,” Bradford T. Kenney, Executive Artistic Director, said. “She is resting comfortably and will remain in the hospital for observation for the time being. …. The audiences and all of us here at the Playhouse are greatly enjoying our time with Valerie here in Ogunquit, and we are encouraged that she is feeling better.”

Valerie had been battling brain cancer, but last year said she was cancer free and doing well. We wish her the best and hope she is doing well.