America’s favorite Mousketeer, Annette Funicello, has passed away. She had multiple sclerosis and reportedly had been in a coma for many years:
BREAKING: Actress Annette Funicello died of complications related to multiple sclerosis; 'had been in coma for years'http://t.co/blneQxpDKb
— NewsBreaker (@NewsBreaker) April 8, 2013
Via ExtraTV:
Funicello’s only daughter, Gina Gilardi, said in a statement, “She’s on her toes dancing in heaven… no more MS. My brothers and I were there, holding her sweet hands when she left us.”
Very sad.
Admirers took to Twitter to pay their respects to the perky Mickey Mouse Club star:
Oh no! Annette Funicello died today too! May she rest in peace, poor thing
— MK / Michael Knudsen (@PopBytes) April 8, 2013
I cannot tell you how much I love Annette Funicello. I'm so sorry to hear about her passing. positive thoughts to her family. 🙁
— Disney Hipsters (@DisneyHipsters) April 8, 2013
Sad day. R.I.P. Annette Funicello http://t.co/9hVzBzPszh via @nikkifinke
— Nancy K Biederman (@NKBper) April 8, 2013
So sad to report the loss of Annette Funicello…. http://t.co/eUZTfmuzmi
— Disneyland Alumni (@DisneylandAlum) April 8, 2013
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Oh, I LOVED the Beach Party movies! “@Amy_Iverson: Annette Funicello passes away .. http://t.co/1BDSdd5Nbg”
— Kety Shapazian ?? (@KetyBrazil) April 8, 2013
A sweetheart RT @jpodhoretz: RIP Annette Funicello, who was delightful in the Beach Party re-do, "Back to the Beach." http://t.co/WfA87pH76d
— David Limbaugh (@DavidLimbaugh) April 8, 2013
Rest in Peace, Annette.