Loni Anderson, who played the bright and beautiful receptionist on the 1970s television sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati,” has died at age 79.

Anderson’s death Sunday came after an unspecified “acute prolonged illness,” publicist Cheryl J. Kagan announced.

“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother,” Anderson’s family said in a statement.

The actress spoke to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2011 before her appearance at the annual Dragon Con in Atlanta that Labor Day weekend.

Her friend, Barbara Eden, star of “I Dream of Jeannie,” persuaded her to come, Anderson said, because Eden had such a good time in 2010.

“WKRP” was created in 1978 by former Atlanta advertising executive Hugh Wilson, who based some of the characters and antics on 790/WQXI-A

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