'Young and the Restless' Star Jeanne Cooper Dies

Jeanne Cooper, iconic star of the long-running soap opera The Young and the Restless, has died at age 84.

Cooper's death was confirmed on Twitter Wednesday by the star's actor son, Corbin Bernsen, who had been providing regular updates on his mother's condition. "Mom passed this morning. She was in peace and without fear. U all have been incredible in your love. In her name share it 2 day with others," Bernsen wrote.

In another message posted May 3, Bernsen indicated that he was finally coming to terms with his mother's imminent passing. "2 nite I'm letting go. I have come 2 a place of peace and want the same 4 mom. 2 ask more of her is unfair and really, only for me," he wrote.

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Cooper had been hospitalized several times recent recently for an undisclosed illness, TV Line reports.

Born October 25, 1928 in Taft, CA, Cooper made her movie debut at age 25 in the Western The Redhead from Wyoming. But she quickly moved into TV and starred in countless shows over 20 years before landing her iconic role as Katherine "Kay" Chancellor on The Young and the Restless in 1973. She continued the role for nearly 40 years.

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Longtime co-star Eric Braeden (Victor Newman) issued his thoughts on Cooper's passing in a statement to ET: "She was an absolute to join to work with. We never did a scene without having laughs. After a painful struggle she has finally found peace. I will miss working with her a lot." 

The president of Sony Pictures Television, Steve Mosko, also reacted to the news. "Jeanne Cooper was a legend in daytime and a beloved member of our Y&R family. She touched the lives of millions, who watched her every day over the past 40 years. We send our sincerest condolences to her family as we also celebrate her wonderful life."