Elizabeth Taylor has died

Dame Elizabeth Taylor has died at the age of 79.

The two-time Oscar-winning actress has struggled with illness for years. At the time of her death she suffered symptoms of congestive heart failure, for which she was being treated.

She was perhaps best known for her legendary roles in Cleopatra and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf and, of course, for her unparalleled glamour and seven marriages -- the most famous of which was to Richard Burton, who was also her film partner. In addition to her Oscar wins, she was nominated four years in a row from 1958-61.

Elizabeth's health started to fail when she filmed her first famous movie National Velvet (1944), at the age of 12, and developed chronic back issues. In 1961 she suffered a near-fatal bout with pneumonia. She was also addicted to painkillers and alcohol.

The 90s were also challenging for Elizabeth. She underwent two hip replacements and another serious bout of pneumonia. In 1997 she underwent brain surgery to remove a benign tumour.

Symptoms of congestive heart failure emerged in 2004, as well as scoliosis -- the twisting of the spine.

Despite ALL OF THIS, Elizabeth worked hard at her famous AIDS charity, which she launched after her friend Rock Hudson died, in 1991.

Elizabeth's publicist, Sally Morrison, released a statement saying that at the time of her death Elizabeth "was surrounded by her children –- Michael Wilding, Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd and Maria Burton." She said Elizabeth died "peacefully" at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles  due to symptoms of congestive heart failure. "Though she had recently suffered a number of complications," Morrison explained, "her condition had stabilized and it was hoped that she would be able to return home. Sadly, this was not to be."

Elizabeth has left quite a legacy behind her. In addition to her legendary work, her charity and inspiration, she has 4 children (as named above), 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

This is really very sad. Maybe she's holding hands with her dear friend Michael Jackson now -- free of pain.

Love. xo Haley-O

Photos: MachoCarioca | SOURCE | SOURCE