"Golden Girls" star Estelle Getty dies at 84

Emmy-winning actress Estelle Getty, best known as a wise-cracking octogenarian on the popular 1980s and '90s sitcom "The Golden Girls," died on Tuesday. She was 84.

Getty, who spent four decades toiling in show business before winning fame and critical recognition as Bea Arthur's sassy, 80-year-old mother on the hit show, had been suffering from dementia.

"As of 5:35 this morning surrounded by her family in her Hollywood Hills home, Estelle Getty passed away peacefully in her sleep of natural causes," her longtime manager, Alan Siegel, said in a statement.

The stars of US sitcom The Golden Girls have paid tribute to actress Estelle Getty, who has died at the age of 84.

Bea Arthur, who played her on-screen daughter Dorothy Zbornak, called their partnership "one of the greatest comic duos", adding: "I will miss her."

Rue McClanahan, Blanche in the series, said: "She'll always be with us in her crowning achievement, Sophia Petrillo."

Getty, whose role as the sarcastic pensioner won her an Emmy award, had been suffering from advanced dementia.

Her son, Carl Gettleman, said she was "one of the most talented comedic actresses who ever lived".