Fans of the legendary TV show "WKRP in Cincinnati" were shocked and saddened earlier this month to learn of the death of Loni Anderson, one of the show's stars.

According to the New York Post, nearly three weeks after news of the star's passing hit the headlines, the cause of death was released via her death certificate, which was exclusively obtained by TMZ. 

The beloved TV actress, unfortunately, succumbed to an "extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer called metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma," according to the report.

Anderson was not only known for her role on the hit TV series, but she was also the wife of legendary actor Burt Reynolds from 1988 until their divorce was finalized in 1994.

What happened?

Cheryl J. Kagan, Anderson's longtime publicist, said her client had passed on Aug. 3, just three days before her 80th birthday. At the time, she said her client had died as a result of a "prolonged illness."

"We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother," Anderson's family announced at the time.

Anderson rose to stardom through "WKRP" and later for her role in "Stroker Ace" with Reynolds.

The Post noted:

“WKRP” aired on CBS from 1978 to 1982 and starred Anderson as receptionist Jennifer Marlowe. Set in a fictional Ohio radio station, the cast also included Gary Sandy, Tim Reid, Howard Hesseman, Frank Bonner and Jan Smithers.

Anderson’s role as Marlowe earned her two Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations during the sitcom’s four-season run.

She would transition to the big screen just a year after "WKRP" ended in 1982. In 1983, she would star with Reynolds in "Stroker Ace," a comedy, and later marry him.

As is the outcome in most Hollywood marriages, the two ended the union in a bitter divorce that wasn't finalized until 1994.

"Tabloidy"

In an earlier interview, Anderson recalled how her marriage to Reynolds was at that time.

"I think back to the beginning of our relationship, it was so, oh, gosh, tabloidy,” Anderson said in an interview years after her divorce.

"We were just a spectacle all the time. And it was hard to have a relationship in that atmosphere," she added. "And somehow, we did it through many ups and downs."

At the time of her passing, fans across social media paid tribute to her life and career.