UPDATE 4:07 P.M. PST: Tawny Kitaen’s daughters Wynter Finley and Raine Finley have taken the time to thank friends and fans for their support following the death of their mother. They wrote in a joint statement on Saturday:
“We are heartbroken and saddened to announce the death of our mom. We just want to say thank you for all of you, her fans and friends, for always showing her such support and love. You gave her life everyday. We miss her and love her and we know her legacy will live on forever.”
Ch-ch-check out their post (below):
We cannot imagine the pain the women must be feeling right now. Our hearts continue to go out to Tawny’s friends and family as they mourn the legend.
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So sad…
Tawny Kitaen, who famously appeared in several music videos for the rock band Whitesnake in the ‘80s, has tragically passed away at 59. According to TMZ, the former child actress died at her home in Newport Beach on Friday morning. The coroner has yet to reveal the official cause of death.
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Fans took to Twitter to mourn the star after the news broke, with many writing about how the world has lost “a true 80s icon.” Take a look at some of the tribute (below):
Actress Tawny Kitaen Dead at 59 via @TMZ I am so sorry to hear of Tawny’s passing. A turbulent life indeed.I worked with her on the new WKRP TV series & found her 2 be the wittiest, most charming, self deprecating sexy woman, with the biggest smile. https://t.co/GB13RMEidO
— Michael Des Barres (@MDesbarres) May 8, 2021
RIP Tawny Kitaen. Very sad news about a staple of the 80’s rock & metal video scene. Godspeed.
— Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) May 8, 2021
Sad to hear about the passing of the Whitesnake video model (as well as Ratt cover model) Tawny Kitaen. A little bit of my youth died right now. Rip T ????#tawnykitaen #ratt #outofthecellar #roundnround #supermodel #videovixen #Whitesnake #riptawnykitaen pic.twitter.com/1X3rfvnI1B
— Marten Andersson (@anderssonmarten) May 8, 2021
Well this is so sad. I seriously thought she was the coolest when I was in high school. https://t.co/zQJrl3SHIF
— Christine ❤️????????????????????????️???? (@christine_p_33) May 8, 2021
damn, R.I.P. @Tawny_Kitaen thanks for the videos & memories that defined my childhood. One of the few celebrities I shared a birthday with. Leo’s never die ???? pic.twitter.com/0DHifExV35
— Kyle (@ImGonHauntU) May 8, 2021
In case you didn’t know, Kitaen first stepped out onto the rock scene in 1983 when she appeared on two album covers for heavy metal band RATT. However, the video vixen later became best known for her parts in Whitesnake’s visuals for Here I Go Again, Still of the Night, Is This Love, and The Deeper the love.
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During that time, she had been briefly married to the group’s lead singer, David Coverdale, from 1989 to 1991. She later got hitched to baseball player Chuck Finley from 1997 to 2002, and they had two daughters together. The former couple broke up after her husband claimed she repeatedly kicked him during a fight.
In addition, Kitaen notably portrayed Tom Hanks’ girlfriend in the 1984 comedy movie Bachelor Party. She also starred in The Perils of Gwendoline, After Midnight, and White Hot before moving onto reality shows like The Surreal Life and Botched. Unfortunately, the San Diego native also suffered a long battle with substance abuse and later participated in Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.
Our hearts go out to the family during this difficult time. R.I.P Tawny.
[Image via Nicky Nelson/WENN ]
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