Hollywood's legend Doris Day dies aged 97

Doris Day, the US screen icon famed for her wholesome, girl-next-door appeal in a string of box office hits, died Monday at age 97, her foundation says in a statement.

According to the Doris Day Animal Foundation said Day, the singer turned actress had suffered a bout of pneumonia, died at her California home, surrounded by friends and family. It said she had been “in excellent physical health for her age, until recently contracting a serious case of pneumonia“.

With heavy hearts, we share the news that Doris Day passed away peacefully this morning at her home in Carmel, Calif. She was 97. More info: https://t.co/P1UuOhL69m pic.twitter.com/JDQf4XaG8I

— DDAF (@DDAF_org) 13 May 2019

Born Doris Mary Ann Von Kappelhoff in April 1922, Doris Day originally wanted to be a dancer but had to abandon her dream after breaking her right leg in a car accident.

Instead, she began her singing career at the age of 15. Her first hit, Sentimental Journey, would become a signature tune. Her last release, the compilation album My Heart, went to number one in the UK in 2011.

Doris Day also starred in films such as Calamity Jane and Pillow Talk and had a hit in 1956 with Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be). And in In 1960, she nominated for an Oscar for Pillow Talk.

The actress was honoured with a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004 and a lifetime achievement Grammy in 2008.

According to the statement, she wished to have no funeral, memorial service or grave marker.