This is the reason for the death of the famous actress

Diane Keaton has died of pneumonia, the famous actress's family announced, while expressing their gratitude for people's "extraordinary" reaction to the sad news.

"The Keaton family is deeply grateful for the overwhelming messages of love and support they have received in recent days on behalf of their beloved Diane, who passed away from pneumonia on October 11," the family said in a statement to People magazine.

They urged all those who wish to make donations in her honor to direct them to the causes she herself supported:

"She loved animals dearly and was steadfast in her support of the homeless community, so any donation in her memory to a local bank or animal shelter would be a wonderful tribute and greatly appreciated."

Diane passed away in California at the age of 79. She was a unique icon of cinema since her Oscar-winning role in the film “Annie Hall” (1977), for which director, screenwriter, film partner and former lover Woody Allen was inspired by her real life. Diane starred in some of the most important films of the second half of the last century, including the saga of “The Godfather”, “Reds”, “Marvin's Room”, “Something's Gotta Give”, “Father of the Bride” and “The First Wives Club”.

Her death sent shockwaves throughout Hollywood and around the world; although she had not been seen in public for months. After her death, People magazine quoted a source close to the actress as saying that her health had “very suddenly deteriorated” in recent months and that even many of her old friends “were completely unaware of what was going on.”

Her former colleagues, including Woody Allen, Jane Fonda, Keanu Reeves, Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep, have paid tribute to the late actress.

Diane Keaton never married. She leaves behind her two younger sisters, Dorrie and Robin, as well as her two children, daughter Dexter and son Duke, whom she adopted.

"Motherhood has completely changed me," she said, adding: "It's probably the most deeply humbling experience I've ever had."