Doris Day Dies: Beloved Singer and Actress Was 97

Sad news out of Hollywood on this Monday morning. 

Doris Day, an esteemed singer and actress has died. 

She was 97. 

The Doris Day Animal Foundation revealed the sad news that Day died early Monday at her Carmel Valley, Calif., home. The foundation confirmed that she was surrounded by close friends.

"Day had been in excellent physical health for her age, until recently contracting a serious case of pneumonia, resulting in her death," the foundation said in a statement, via Los Angeles Times.

Doris was originally a singer, before transitioning into the world of acting, and becoming one of the biggest female stars of all time. 

She was born Mary Ann Von Kappelhoff in April 1992. By age 15, she was a singer, and her song "Sentimental Journey" became a huge hit. 

She recorded the song in 1945 as a vocalist for Les Brown and His Band of Renown. 

It elevated Day to worldwide stardom. In 1946, she was the highest paid female singer in the world. 

Throughout her musical career, she released 29(!) studio albums. 

Day was nominated for an Oscar in 1960 for her role in Pillow Talk, a romantic comedy which she starred in with Rock Hudson. 

The pair had a screen partnership, and they dominated the box office whenever they were part of a movie together. 

Day was awared a Grammy for lifetime achievement in 2008. 

Her final musical release was a compilation album titled "My Heart," and it was yet another big record for Day. 

Day also appeared on the small screen. Her most notable role was  CBS sitcom The Doris Day Show, which ran for a total of five seasons and 128 episodes between 1968 and 1973.

Doris was married four times. She was married to Al Jorden from 1941-43, George Weidler from 1946-49, Marty Melcher from 1951-1968, and Barry Comden from 1976-81. 

Day had her only child with Melcher, Terry Melcher, who passed away in 2004. 

We extend our thoughts and prayers to the friends and family of Doris Day during this difficult time. 

Paul Dailly was an Associate Editor for TV Fanatic.Follow him on X.