Oscar-winning actress Elizabeth Taylor died of congestive heart failure early Wednesday morning.
statement from her son, Michael Wilding, said, "My mother was an extraordinary woman who lived life to the fullest, with great passion, humor, and love. Though her loss is devastating to those of us who held her so close and so dear, we will always be inspired by her enduring contribution to our world. ... We know, quite simply, that the world is a better place for Mom having lived in it. Her legacy will never fade, her spirit will always be with us, and her love will live forever in our hearts."
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IMAGES:Screen legend Elizabeth Taylor
Taylor, 79, was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center last month for what her publicist said was "an ongoing condition."
Taylor, a double Oscar winner famous for her eight marriages -- twice to actor Richard Burton -- underwent heart surgery in 2009 to replace a leaky valve.
She announced in 2004 that she had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure -- a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to other organs.
In 2006, she appeared on Larry King's CNN interview show to deny reports that she was gravely ill or suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
Taylor has had three hip-replacement operations, a benign brain tumor, skin cancer and pneumonia. She spent two stints in rehab in the 1980s for alcohol and prescription drug addiction.
Taylor first achieved stardom at the age of 12 in "National Velvet" and became famous for her violet eyes, dark alluring beauty and love of diamonds.
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In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that contributions be made to the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.