Diane Keaton's Declining Health Revealed by Close Friend

Years before her demise and recent declining health, the beloved actress endured significant medical afflictions, such as cancer and bulimia.

She was the darling of Hollywood, a beloved Oscar-winning icon whose infectious energy and quirky charm lit up the silver screen. But behind her signature hats and dazzling smile, Diane Keaton had grown frail, according to heartbreaking words shared by a close friend.

In a gut-wrenching new revelation shared with People magazine, longtime friend and Oscar-winning songwriter Carole Bayer Sager has laid bare the haunting details of her final visit with the late "Annie Hall" star. The visit occurred just weeks before Keaton's tragic passing on October 11, 2025, at the age of 79.

A Jarring Appearance That Left Carole Bayer Sager Reeling

The songwriter's last encounter with Keaton left an indelible mark. "I saw her two or three weeks ago, and she was very thin," Sager told the outlet. "She had lost so much weight." The sudden transformation shocked her.

Sager described her dear friend's noticeably frail appearance with genuine sorrow and disbelief. The beloved actress had been spending time in Palm Springs earlier this year, a temporary relocation brought on by the January wildfires.

"She had to go to Palm Springs because her house had been damaged inside, and they had to clean everything," revealed Sager, who noted that she had seen her close friend less this year because of the fires.

The songwriter continued, "She was down there for a while, and when she came back, I was kind of stunned by how much weight she'd lost," her words echoing the concern of someone witnessing a silent struggle.

Still a Light in the Darkness

Despite the visible signs of her declining health, Keaton remained, in Sager's eyes, a creative force — vibrant, curious, and bursting with light. "She was a magic light for everyone," Sager recalled warmly. "I just loved her. She was so special, she just lit up a room with her energy."

Whether snapping photos of the world around her or immersing herself in artistic projects, Diane Keaton never allowed illness to dim her innate spark.

"She was happy and upbeat and taking photographs of everything she saw. She was completely creative; she never stopped creating," Sager divulged.

That creative passion was perhaps best captured in their musical collaboration, "First Christmas," released in November 2024. Co-written with Jonas Myrin, the track marked Keaton's only solo single — a project Sager remembers fondly. "She so loved recording this song," Sager said. "She was almost childlike about it." The experience wasn't just about making music — it was an emotional outlet.

"She was so authentic when she sang it [...] she was sort of acting it, you know, because she is a great actress. And then she'd start to cry when she was singing it. But she did such a beautiful job," added Keaton's musical gal pal.

An Icon Through and Through

Sager also cherished Keaton's iconic fashion sense — a playful blend of whimsy and sophistication that never went unnoticed.

"She went to the movies always dressed like she was about to shoot another scene for 'Annie Hall,'" Sager shared. "She'd wear her hats and her jackets and her baggy pants, and her belts. She was a fashion icon of her own making."

The talented lyricist also spoke about how she, Keaton, and fellow A-lister Bette Midler, who shared her pain and sorrow over the sad news via her own tribute, were all a part of a weekly "movie group."

While Sager's emotional account offers a glimpse into Keaton's final chapter, the actress's battle with health issues began long before her recent decline and demise, tracing back to as early as when she was in her 20s.

A Quiet Decline No One Expected

Sources close to the "Book Club" star say the beloved actress "declined very suddenly," leaving her inner circle "heartbroken" and in disbelief. A longtime friend revealed, "It was so unexpected, especially for someone with such strength and spirit."

As the end drew near, Keaton's world grew smaller. The insider added, "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." Those words echo the quiet dignity with which she always faced life's hardest moments.

Skin Cancer: The Hidden Battle That Shaped Her Advocacy

Keaton's lifelong fight with illness began shockingly early. At just 21, she was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer. Years later, she faced squamous cell carcinoma, enduring two surgeries to remove cancerous cells.

Determined to protect others from the same fate, the actress became a fierce advocate for sun safety. She joined L'Oréal Paris in 2006 as a spokeswoman, proudly declaring that she never went anywhere without the brand's sunblock.

Reflecting on her family's medical history, Keaton once said, "It's a family history. I remember my Auntie Martha had skin cancer so bad they removed her nose. My father had basal skin cancer and my brother had it. It's tricky with this skin cancer. That's why you've got to put the sunblock on [sic]."

But she also admitted she learned the hard way, confessing she neglected skin protection in her youth. "I didn't start sun care until my 40s," she admitted regretfully, calling her earlier carelessness foolish.

A Secret Struggle with Bulimia

Long before Hollywood glamorized being thin, Keaton was fighting a devastating eating disorder that nearly destroyed her. At just 20, while preparing for a Broadway role, she was told to lose 10 pounds — a demand that triggered a spiral into bulimia. In a 2014 interview with Dr. Oz, Keaton opened up about the dark truth:

"All I did was feed my hunger, so I am an addict. It's true. I'm an addict in recovery, I'll always be an addict. I have an addictive nature to me [sic]."

Keaton's description of her eating habits at the height of her illness remains shocking. The actress confessed she would consume 20,000 calories a day — a feast of fried chicken, French fries with blue cheese and ketchup, television dinners, an entire cake, three banana cream pies, and pounds of candy — only to purge afterward.

The Turning Point Toward Recovery

Eventually, she sought help after someone close to her raised concerns. "Somebody mentioned that I seemed to have some mental issues, so I went to an analyst," Keaton recalled. Her path to healing began with five therapy sessions a week, a grueling emotional process that helped her regain control over her life and body.

Even as fame and awards followed, the actress rarely spoke publicly about her struggles. But in private, she faced them with quiet resilience, finding strength in introspection rather than spectacle.

A Legacy of Resilience and Grace

Keaton's life was far more complex than the bright smiles and playful eccentricity she projected onscreen. Beneath the glamor was a woman who endured deep personal battles and yet managed to inspire millions through her candor, wit, and authenticity.

Her story serves as a poignant reminder that even the most luminous stars face darkness behind the spotlight. Though she kept much of her pain private, Keaton's courage and honesty in confronting her illnesses will remain part of her enduring legacy.

Final Moments Revealed as Mystery Surrounds Cause of Death

Just hours after her passing, TMZ obtained chilling dispatch audio from the moment emergency responders were called to Keaton's Los Angeles-area home. "Rescue 19, person down…" a voice said, before giving her address.

According to the outlet, Keaton was rushed to the hospital by ambulance on the morning of Saturday, October 11. But tragically, she did not survive. Her cause of death has not yet been revealed.

From 'Annie Hall' to Iconic Elder Stateswoman of Hollywood

With her floppy hats, razor-sharp suits, and a voice brimming with wit and warmth, Keaton wasn't just an actress — she was a generational force.

She began as Kay Adams in "The Godfather" but sealed her place in history with "Annie Hall," winning an Oscar and launching a fashion movement that still echoes today.

Later, she dazzled in "The First Wives Club," "Something's Gotta Give," and the "Book Club" films — always portraying women with complexity, charm, and courage.

Born Diane Hall in Los Angeles in 1946, she adopted her mother's maiden name, Keaton, and never looked back. Her authenticity, both on and off-screen, made her a star unlike any other.

Keaton's family has asked for privacy as they mourn the loss of a woman whose legacy will endure through her films, her fashion, and her fierce spirit.

A woman who made us laugh, cry, and believe in love — even when it was complicated. Gone, but never forgotten. RIP, dear Keaton.