It is with a heavy heart that I announce the news that “Golden Girls” star Rue McClanahan has passed away last night.

Her manager, Barbara Lawrence, said, “She passed away at 1 a.m. this morning. She had a massive stroke.”

Earlier this year, Rue had suffered a minor stroke while recovering from bypass surgery. Lawrence added that Rue “had her family with her. She went in peace.”

Estelle Getty, who played Sophia on the show, passed away in 2008. Bea Arthur, who played Dorothy Zbornak, passed away last year after losing a battle with cancer. Thankfully, Betty White is still with us and has enjoyed renewed success as host of a recent episode of “Saturday Night Live” and her new show, “Hot In Cleveland.”

Here’s a favorite moment of mine of Rue as Blanche Devereaux:

So sad. Rest in peace, Rue. And thank you for being a friend.

source: Golden Girls Star Rue McClanahan Dies at 76 – [people]