Elizabeth Taylor Dies at 79

Earlier this week Elizabeth Taylor, legendary Academy Award®-winning actress, died in Los Angeles at Cedars-Sinai Hospital at the age of 79. She had been suffering with congestive heart failure and related complications for several years.

As a tribute to her life, Sirius XM Radio ran special programming on numerous channels which included numerous interviews and even the 1947 Lux Radio Theatre adaptation of National Velvet starring Taylor and Mickey Rooney in their original film roles.

Taylor was reportedly surrounded by her children at the time of her death. “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,” said her son Michael Wilding. “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.”

At her request, the start of Taylor’s funeral was intentionally delayed for 15 minutes today. The actress reportedly had this done, as part of her last wishes, so that she could actually be late for her own funeral.