Diane Keaton’s family issue an emotional statement revealing actress’ cause of death as pneumonia

Diane Keaton's family have revealed her cause of death as pneumonia, as they issued an emotional statement yesterday (Wednesday 15 October).

The actress - who was known for her roles in The Godfather, The First Wives Club and Woody Allen's Annie Hall - died on Saturday (11 October) at the age of 79.

In a statement to People, her family said: "The Keaton family are very grateful for the extraordinary messages of love and support they have received these past few days on behalf of their beloved Diane, who passed away from pneumonia on October 11."

They went on to talk about what the star was most passionate about, including her love of animals and charity work.

The message continued: "She loved her animals and she was steadfast in her support of the unhoused community, so any donations in her memory to a local food bank or an animal shelter would be a wonderful and much appreciated tribute to her."

Diane Keaton's family have revealed she died of pneumonia (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images)

For those unfamiliar, pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by an infection.

Keaton's loved ones initially confirmed her death last week in a statement given to People, which read: "There are no further details available at this time, and her family has asked for privacy in this moment of great sadness."

The Oscar-winning star welcomed two children, daughter Dexter, 29, and son Duke, 25, in her 50s through adoption and raised them as a single mother.

Tributes have been pouring in for the famous actress since the tragic news broke over the weekend, with celebrities and fans alike issuing tributes on social media.

Jane Fonda credited the First Wives Club star as 'limitlessly creative…in her acting, her wardrobe, her books, her friends, her homes, her library, her world view. Unique is what she was'.

She emotionally added: "And, though she didn’t know it or wouldn’t admit it, man she was a fine actress!"

While Leonardo DiCaprio wrote in a statement statement: "Diane Keaton was one of a kind. Brilliant, funny, and unapologetically herself. A legend, an icon, and a truly kind human being."

And Reese Witherspoon said: "The thing I just loved about her is she was such an original. If you just close your mind and think of Diane Keaton ... she is just incredible and indelible."

Keaton's family have urged people to donate to charity in her memory (Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)

While Goldie Hawn wrote in an emotional post: "We agreed to grow old together, and one day, maybe live together with all our girlfriends.

"Well, we never got to live together, but we did grow older together. Who knows… maybe in the next life."

She added: "Our days starting with coffee in the makeup trailer, laughing and joking, right through to the very last day of filming. It was a roller coaster of love.

"You’ve left us with a trail of fairy dust, filled with particles of light and memories beyond imagination.

"How do we say goodbye? What words can come to mind when your heart is broken? You never liked praise, so humble, but now you can’t tell me to 'Shut up', honey. There was, and will be, no one like you."

More of Keaton's most notable work includes Father Of The Bride, The Family Stone and The Book Club movies, to name just a few.