The entertainment world was left reeling by the unexpected passing of Diane Keaton earlier this month. As the beloved star of Annie Hall, her death has highlighted the profound impact she had on those around her. Al Pacino reminisced about their enduring romance, while Woody Allen shared his thoughts, and both Steve Martin and Martin Short paid tribute to her at a recent performance. Meanwhile, Lauren Graham honored Keaton’s memory, reflecting on their time together during the filming of Because I Said So. The Gilmore Girls actress revealed a snippet from a letter Keaton had given her, showcasing the actress’s quintessential nurturing nature.

Lauren Graham showed just how kind and supportive Diane Keaton was

Throughout her career, Diane Keaton often portrayed loving motherly roles, a reflection of her own life as a mother, having adopted two children in her 50s. Her colleagues have spoken warmly of her, but Lauren Graham truly captured Keaton’s maternal essence by sharing this poignant excerpt from her letter.

Following Keaton’s sudden death, Graham took to Instagram to pay tribute to the late actor. She shared the letter as proof of who Keaton was. In the letter, the beloved actor advised Graham to hug herself every morning, to write her book, and not to get anxious. She lifted Graham up, writing, “You big winner you,” before signing off with love. Graham did not share when the letter was written or what came before the excerpt, but it clearly meant a great deal to the seasoned actor. It appears the letter was framed.

Graham and Keaton’s paths crossed on the set of Because I Said So. In the 2007 flick, Keaton plays Daphne Wilder, the mother of three adult daughters. Graham played her eldest daughter, Maggie Wilder. Mandy Moore and Piper Perabo appear as her other two daughters. The letter was probably written when filming for that movie ended. Graham did go on to write a book. In fact, she penned three.

Diane Keaton’s cause of death revealed

Diane Keaton died in the morning hours of October 11, 2025. Shortly after news of her death, TMZ obtained audio recordings of a 911 call placed from her Los Angeles residence. According to the recording, emergency personnel arrived for a “person down” scenario. Keaton was transported to the hospital, where she later died.

The family did not initially reveal a cause of death, but friends weighed in, claiming the actor had grown frail in recent months. Still, no one was sure what could have caused the vibrant septuagenarian to die so suddenly. It was later revealed that Keaton died of bacterial pneumonia. No contributing factors were listed. Keaton was cremated days after her passing. She is survived by her family and friends, including her two children, Dexter and Duke.