Florence Henderson, known to millions for her role as the wholesome mother Carol Brady in the popular 70s sitcom The Brady Bunch, has died aged 82.
According to her manager, she died on Thursday in a Los Angeles hospital surrounded by family and friends.
Already a well known Broadway and TV actress, she shot to worldwide fame in The Brady Bunch about an architect Mike Brady, a widowed father of three boys, who married Henderson's character Carol Brady, a single mother with three daughters.
First shown in 1969 the show became a worldwide hit and was known for its wholesome values and was considered groundbreaking at the time for its representation of a '"blended" family.
For many viewers of that generation, Henderson's ever patient and kind character represented the quintessential 'TV mom' and it was the role that defined her career.
After the cancellation of the original series in 1974, Henderson reprised the role on later incarnations of the show and also had a cameo role in the tongue in cheek movie adaptation, The Brady Bunch Movie.
She also guest starred on dozens of shows such as Police Squad! The Love Boat, Murder She Wrote, Ellen, Ally McBeal, The King of Queens and 30 Rock.
Maureen McCormack, who played her daughter Marcia Brady, was one of those paying tribute to the late actress.
Florence Henderson was a dear friend for so very many years & in my <3 forever. Love & hugs to her family. I'll miss u dearly #RIPFlorence
— Maureen McCormick (@MoMcCormick7) November 25, 2016
