Australian entertainment legend Jeanne Little dies aged 82 - as her heartbroken daughter pays tribute with a touching photo to the popular Gold Logie winner who coined the phrase 'hello darling'
Gold Logie winner and Australian entertainer Jeanne Mitchell has died
Gold Logie winner Jeanne Mitchell, better known as Jeannie Little, has died at the age of 82.
The TV personality's daughter, Katie, announced the heartbreaking news on Saturday evening.
'My mother has left the earthly plane,' she wrote on Facebook, alongside a photo of her as a young child sitting on her mother's lap.
'This is a huge shock – but I'm so grateful. Love you all my friends.'
Little made her television debut on The Mike Walsh Show in 1974 and won a Gold Logie for the most popular TV personality in 1976.
She also coined the popular phrase, 'hello darling'.
The beloved entertainer retired from the spotlight after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2009.
The TV personality's daughter, Katie, announced the news on Saturday evening. 'My mother has left the earthly plane,' she wrote alongside a photo of her as a young child sitting on her mother's lap
Jeannie Little attends the 46th Annual TV Week Logie Awards at the Crown Entertainment Complex April 18, 2004 in Melbourne
The triple Logie winner's condition was revealed in 2011.
Katie launched a fund with Neuroscience Research Australia in Jeanne Little's name after the devastating diagnosis.
'Mum always poured so much energy into supporting many, many charities for which she was awarded an Order of Australia,' Katie earlier said.
'She had huge compassion for people and was always trying to lift people's spirits and inspire them to make a difference.
'I know she'd love this research fund and would be thrilled to know she's still helping people even when she can't get out there and do it herself.
'Can you imagine what she would be saying? It would be like ''Daaarlings! You've just got to help! You've just got to!'''
Jeannie Little and Bill Collins at the Foxtel Television Centre opening in Sydney, Thrusday, June 8, 2006
Last year, Little's husband Barry died at the age of 89, just days after his birthday.
The couple married in 1971.
Barry meanwhile told Nine Stories in 2014 that his 'life ended' when his wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, but that she still existed in his memory.
'It is horrible to see someone so vital and alive go from that to sitting in a chair all day and needing to be washed and cared for,' Barry said at the time.
'But she is still so beautiful. There's not a line on her face.'
Mark Holden and Jeanie Little at the 2007 Logie Awards nominations in Sydney, Monday, April 2, 2007
