Diane Keaton’s Closest Friends Express Shock and Sadness Following Her Passing

Longtime friend Carole Bayer Sager was taken aback by how very thin Diane Keaton appeared during their recent meeting. Sager, who co-wrote Keaton’s holiday song “First Christmas,” shared that she hadn’t seen much of her friend this year because Keaton was living in Palm Springs, recovering from recent wildfires.

“She had to relocate to Palm Springs due to damage at her home,” Sager explained. “When she returned, I was stunned by her weight loss.”

Despite her frail appearance, Sager emphasized that Keaton remained “a luminous presence for everyone,” describing her as full of energy and creativity. She fondly recalled working together on “First Christmas,” which Keaton recorded in late 2024, recalling her joyful and emotional connection to the song.

“She loved recording it, almost like a child—so authentic and true to herself. She would sometimes start to cry while singing because she was so in the moment. It was a beautiful performance.”

Sager also remembered their weekly movie group, which included Bette Midler, where Keaton’s joyful spirit was always evident. Mourners flooded social media with tributes, celebrating her unique personality. Bette Midler described her as “brilliant, beautiful, and extraordinary,” highlighting her honesty and sense of humor. Keaton passed away at age 79, with her health having declined rapidly in recent months. Her cause of death has not been disclosed publicly.