Diane Keaton's health reportedly "declined very suddenly" in the months before she died

A source told People magazine: "She declined very suddenly, which was heartbreaking for everyone who loved her.

"It was so unexpected, especially for someone with such strength and spirit.

"In her final months, she was surrounded only by her closest family, who chose to keep things very private. Even longtime friends weren't fully aware of what was happening."

In March, Diane put her "dream home" in Brentwood, California, up for sale, despite previously vowing to stay there forever, and she was no longer regularly seen in the area walking her dogs.

Another source said: "She lived in Brentwood for many years.

"She loved her neighbourhood. Up until just a few months ago, she'd walk her dog every day. She was usually dressed the same, with a hat and her signature sunglasses regardless of the weather.

"She was always very nice, funny and chatty. She'd talk to her dog like he was a person. She was eccentric and had this old-school Hollywood aura. She was very, very special."

A pal remembered the First Wives Club star as "one in million" who was "funny right up until the end".

The friend said: "She lived exactly how she wanted to, which was on her own terms, surrounded by the people and things she really loved...

"Diane always had a very strong sense of who she was and how she wanted to live.

"In these last few years, she kept a close circle and she liked it that way. She was funny right up until the end and she had this way of making even ordinary moments feel special. That was just who she was."

The Annie Hall actress' death was confirmed by her family on Saturday.

Her loved ones requested privacy as they mourn her loss and no further details about her passing have been revealed.

Diane never married but is survived by her adopted children, daughter Dexter, 29, and son Duke, 25.