Thoroughly Modern Millie star Carol Channing dies aged 97

A legend of the silver screen and Broadway stage, Carol Channing will forever be remembered for starring roles in the likes of Thoroughly Modern Millie and Hello, Dolly! But the world was saddened this week to learn that the Hollywood star had passed away.

The news broke in America on Tuesday evening that she had died at the age of 97, as her long-time publicist B. Harlan Boll released a heartfelt statement about the woman who “fell into his life”, describing his love and admiration for the showbiz star.

“It is with extreme heartache, that I have to announce the passing of an original Industry Pioneer, Legend and Icon – Miss Carol Channing,” Boll’s statement read, according to People.

“I admired her before I met her, and have loved her since the day she stepped … or fell rather … into my life. It is so very hard to see the final curtain lower on a woman who has been a daily part of my life for more than a third of it.

“We supported each other, cried with each other, argued with each other, but always ended up laughing with each other.”

Channing, who was born in Seattle, passed away on the morning of January 15 at her home in Rancho Mirage, California. She died as a result of natural causes.

Boll added: “Saying good-bye is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, but I know that when I feel those uncontrollable urges to laugh at everything and/or nothing at all, it will be because she is with me, tickling my funny bone.”

The Tony Award winner previously battled with ovarian cancer in the 1960s, while she was touring with her most famous production Hello, Dolly!

In 2012 she spoke about her cancer journey, telling fellow ovarian cancer survivors to persevere.

“Keep going,” she said. “Your audience they need you. The day when it was the worst, that’s when I did my best performance.  It was a big operation and I went right back into the shows, faster than the doctor ever thought anybody could.”

She added: “If you are one of the fortunate people like I am and you are dedicated to work that you live for and you believe in and you know it benefits your fellow man. If you are fortunate to have that, keep doing it.”

She also said that she hoped to go out with her “boots on and still working”.

Were you a fan of Carol Channing? Do you have a message of condolence for her family?