In the last chapter of her life, Loni Anderson, beloved for her role in WKRP in Cincinnati, found unexpected peace with her former husband, Burt Reynolds — closing a decades-long, turbulent chapter that included public drama and legal battles.
Loni passed away at 79 on August 3, 2025, in Los Angeles after battling a prolonged illness. Her death has reignited public interest in her relationship with Reynolds, especially a touching 2019 interview where she spoke candidly about their emotional reconciliation.
Loni revealed to Closer Weekly that even after their five-year marriage ended, the drama continued — largely in the media. “He used to provoke me with what he’d say in interviews,” she recalled. “But people didn’t know we never truly cut off contact.”
Eventually, they put aside their pain and chose peace — not just for themselves, but for their son, Quinton Anderson Reynolds. “We were friends before and after the marriage,” she said. “And we knew we had to do right by our son.”
She fondly remembered one final dinner arranged by Quinton, where Burt even brought her flowers. “It was a special night,” she said, highlighting Burt’s softer side — his humility and love for mystery novels they both enjoyed.
After Burt’s death, Loni visited his Florida estate and shared plans to help create a lasting tribute in his memory.
Their story began in 1981 on The Merv Griffin Show, and they married in 1988 at Burt’s ranch. “I married my best friend,” Burt had said then. Loni, too, felt it was a fairytale moment: “I felt like Cinderella.” Sadly, the fairytale unraveled, and they divorced in 1994.
Burt later admitted the marriage was a mistake, claiming, “I should’ve known not to marry an actress.” The financial fallout lingered, with Burt eventually settling a long-standing divorce debt to Loni after a court order.
Their breakup was once called “one of Hollywood’s nastiest divorces,” with the press swirling — so much so, Burt once joked that Princess Diana thanked him for distracting the tabloids.
But beyond the media noise, the deepest pain came from Burt losing custody of Quinton. “I tried to be everything my father wasn’t,” he once said. “I love him so much. We talk, but not as much as I’d like.”
Burt passed away on September 6, 2018, while rehearsing lines for a Quentin Tarantino film. He was 82.
Loni and Quinton released a heartfelt statement after his passing, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love. “Burt was a huge part of my life and Quinton’s father for 30 years. We’ll miss him and his unforgettable laugh.”
As we now say goodbye to Loni too, may we remember the peace she made, the love she shared, and the legacy both she and Burt leave behind.