Legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor passed away early Wednesday morning at the age of 79. Her publicist, Sally Morrison, revealed that she died "peacefully today in Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.” Taylor was admitted to the hospital six weeks ago due to complications from her continued battle with congestive heart failure. She was diagnosed with the condition in 2004, and according to Morrison, “Though she had recently suffered a number of complications, her condition had stabilized and it was hoped that she would be able to return home. Sadly, this was not to be."

Taylor’s career highs include two Oscars for her roles in 1960’s Butterfield 8 and 1966’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? but much of her notoriety is attributed to her fabulous jet-set lifestyle, her eight high-profile marriages, and her love affair with the media (including a recent Vanity Fair cover).

Taylor’s son Michael Wilding released a statement about his mother’s death, writing:

"My Mother was an extraordinary woman who lived life to the fullest, with great passion, humor, and love. Though her loss is devastating to those of us who held her so close and so dear, we will always be inspired by her enduring contribution to our world. Her remarkable body of work in film, her ongoing success as a businesswoman, and her brave and relentless advocacy in the fight against HIV/AIDS, all make us all incredibly proud of what she accomplished. We know, quite simply, that the world is a better place for Mom having lived in it. Her legacy will never fade, her spirit will always be with us, and her love will live forever in our hearts."