Raquel Welch’s cause of death has finally been revealed following her death two months ago.
According to her death certificate, her cause of death was determined to be cardiac arrest after battling Alzheimer’s disease.
The entertainment world is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic stars, Raquel Welch, who passed away on February 15 at the age of 82. The actress, who rose to fame in the 1960s with her roles in Fantastic Voyage and One Million Years B.C., died of cardiac arrest, according to her death certificate obtained by TMZ. The document also revealed that she had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia that affects memory and cognition.
Welch’s longtime manager Steve Sauer confirmed her death to PEOPLE back in February, saying that she “passed away peacefully early this morning after a brief illness.” He added that she had a career that spanned over 50 years, starring in over 30 films and 50 television series and appearances. She also won a Golden Globe for her performance in The Three Musketeers in 1974 and was involved in a successful line of wigs.
Welch leaves behind her two children, son Damon Welch and daughter Tahnee Welch, both actors. She was married four times, most recently to restaurateur Richie Palmer, whom she divorced in 2004.
Welch was born Jo Raquel Tejada on September 5, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois. Her father was an aeronautical engineer from Bolivia and her mother was an American of English descent. She studied at San Diego State University and worked as a model and weather girl before landing her first film role.
Welch became a sex symbol and a pin-up after appearing in a fur bikini in One Million Years B.C., which catapulted her to international fame. She went on to star in films such as Bedazzled, Bandolero!, Myra Breckinridge, Hannie Caulder, Kansas City Bomber, Mother, Jugs & Speed and more. She also made several television appearances, including a memorable duet with Cher on The Cher Show in 1975.
Welch was known for her beauty, charisma and talent, as well as for breaking the mold of the traditional blonde bombshell. She was also an advocate for women’s rights and empowerment, as she wrote in her autobiography Beyond the Cleavage, which became a bestseller in 2010.
Welch’s death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans and celebrities alike, who praised her legacy and influence. Reese Witherspoon, who co-starred with Welch in Legally Blonde, tweeted: “So sad to hear about Raquel Welch’s passing. I loved working with her on Legally Blonde. She was elegant, professional and glamorous beyond belief. Simply stunning. May all her angels carry her home.”
Raquel Welch will be remembered as one of the most iconic actresses of all time, who inspired generations with her style, grace and courage.
