'I Am Woman' singer Helen Reddy dies

Australian singer, actor and activist Helen Reddy has died in Los Angeles.

The music legend - known for her feminist anthem I Am Woman - was 78.

The singer's life was recently turned into a movie of the same name.

In a statement issued on Reddy's official fan Facebook page, her children Traci Donat and Jordan Sommers wrote: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Helen Reddy, on the afternoon of September 29th 2020 in Los Angeles."

"She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and a truly formidable woman. Our hearts are broken. But we take comfort in the knowledge that her voice will live on forever."

Helen Reddy in Los Angeles in 2015. Photo: Getty
Helen Reddy in Los Angeles in 2015. Photo: Getty
Born in Australia, Reddy moved to the United States in her early 20s after winning a talent contest. She initially found success with the song I Don’t Know How To Love Him in 1971.

But her song I Am Woman went to No. 1 in 1972 and launched her global stardom and she followed it up with a string of hits, such as Delta Dawn, Angie Baby and Ain't No Way to Treat a Lady.

She hosted her own TV variety show The Helen Reddy Show and starred in Hollywood films.

Reddy was the world's top-selling female vocalist in 1973 and 1974. 

Her career tapered in the 1980s before she officially retired 2002. 

She was diagnosed with dementia in 2015 and had been living at a nursing home for retired Hollywood stars in Los Angeles.

- AAP and Reuters 

 

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