Elizabeth Taylor Dies at Age 79

Archive Photos/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) -- Legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor has died.  She passed away Wednesday in Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles at the age of 79, according to a statement by her family, with her children at her side.  She is survived by her four children, as well as 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.  Taylor was hospitalized six weeks ago with congestive heart failure.  A private family funeral will be held later this week.  The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions should be make to the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.  Fans can also log onto Facebook.com/pages/Elizabeth-Taylor-Tribute to leave personal tributes to the Oscar-winning icon.

In a statement, her son Michael Wilding said, "My mother was an extraordinary woman who lived life to the fullest, with great passion, humor, and love.   Though her loss is devastating to those of us who held her so close and so dear, we will always be inspired by her enduring contribution to our world.   Her remarkable body of work in film, her ongoing success as a businesswoman, and her brave and relentless advocacy in the fight against HIV/AIDS, all make us all incredibly proud of what she accomplished.  We know, quite simply, that the world is a better place for Mom having lived in it.   Her legacy will never fade, her spirit will always be with us, and her love will live forever in our hearts."

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