Elizabeth Taylor died today aged 79
The iconic screen legend Elizabeth Taylor has sadly died today, her publicist has confirmed in a statement:
"Elizabeth Taylor died peacefully today in Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles,she was hospitalized six weeks ago with congestive heart failure, a condition with which she had struggled for many years. Though she had recently suffered a number of complications, her condition had stabilized and it was hoped that she would be able to return home. Sadly, this was not to be."
The legendary actress, jewellery collector and humanitarian, who was married eight times, died at the age of 79. She was once hailed as the most beautiful woman in the world, and men, paparazzi and fans alike adored her. A two time Oscar winner for "Butterfield 8" (1960) and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" (1966), Taylor was as celebrated for her talent as well as her beauty.
She was also known for her impressive diamond and jewellery collection, and even named a fragrance 'White Diamonds' after her love of diamonds. However her acts of generosity and kindness also knew no bounds as she once famously auctioned off the infamous pear-shaped 69-carat "Burton-Cartier Diamond" engagement ring, Burton gave her in 1969, to fund a hospital in Botswana, and her work for AIDS charities was well known. She famously said in 2001; 'If not to make the world better, what is money for?'
This beautiful woman, both on the inside and out, will be sorely missed, but her legacy will live on through her films and the thousands of people around the world, for whom her tireless charity worked has helped provide a better life.