Diane Keaton has di3d aged 79 (Image: Getty)

Hollywood legend Diane Keaton has passed away at the age of 79, according to a family spokesperson.

The Oscar-winning actress, renowned for her role in The Godfather series, di3d in California, and her family is asking for privacy during this time.

Although she never married, Keaton adopted two children, Dexter, 29, and Duke, 25, and was content living a single life.

Her illustrious career, which began on stage in the 1960s, saw her win a BAFTA, two Golden Globe Awards, and receive two Emmy nominations.

She is most recognized for her role as Kay Adams, the girlfriend of Al Pacino’s character Michael Corleone, in The Godfather, which premiered in 1972. In 2017, Keaton disclosed that she battled bulimia early in her career after a director suggested she needed to lose weight.

Diane Keaton has passed away aged 79 (Image: Getty)

Why she never married

Diane Keaton chose not to marry as she valued her independence. She felt that marriage would demand too much compromise, so she remained single to concentrate on her personal growth.

In addition to her acting career, Keaton had other passions such as photography and architecture. However, adopting two children in her 50s reportedly brought her great fulfillment.

Keaton had no regrets about remaining single, despite being associated with many famous men. She found satisfaction in having her children and close friends as her primary source of companionship.

Diane is survived by her two adopted children (Image: Getty)

Who are her children?

Keaton is survived by her daughter, Dexter, 29, and son, Duke, 25. She adopted them when she was in her 50s and raised them on her own.

As reported by People, she said in 2008: “I didn’t think that I was ever going to be prepared to be a mother.”

She added, “Motherhood was not an urge I couldn’t resist; it was more like a thought I’d been thinking for a very long time. So I plunged in.”

Keaton welcomed Dexter through adoption in 1996, and the duo developed an incredibly tight bond. Dexter frequently shared snapshots of them together on social media, penning a Mother’s Day tribute in 2014: “I’m so thankful to have been adopted by such a strong, beautiful, and talented woman.”

Meanwhile, Duke joined Keaton’s family through adoption in 2001. The 25-year-old has maintained a low profile but is known to have a passion for photography.

Keaton revealed to Life Magazine in 2005: “The shocking thing is that I worry differently now. Before kids, if I worried, it was only about myself, but that’s all you do is worry as a parent.

“It’s rule number one in parenting: secretly worry without letting the kids know you’re worried.”

Diane Keaton was known for covering up her neck and arms. (Image: Getty)

Why did Diane always cover her neck and arms?

Keaton consistently concealed her neck and arms due to her battle with skin cancer. Along with a family history of the disease, she received a basal cell carcinoma diagnosis at age 21.

Her signature fashion choices also helped her feel more confident as they directed focus to other elements of her appearance. Keaton’s approach to staying shielded from the sun additionally included donning hats and gloves.

In a 2019 interview with InStyle, she confessed, “Yes, it’s very protective. It hides a multitude of sins. Flaws, anxiety-things like that. I would not feel comfortable in a short skirt or something cut off with my arms hanging out there.

“And I’ve always liked hats. They just frame a head. But, of course, nobody really thinks they’re as great as I do. And, you know, hats also protect you from the sun-I’ve had so many skin cancers.”

Interestingly, Diane was not related to Michael Keaton. She was born as Diane Hall but changed her name to her mother’s maiden name because there was already a Diane Hall in the Actors Guild.

Similarly, Michael also had to change his birth name from Michael Douglas due to the same reason. He eventually chose Keaton.