'Golden Girl' Rue McClanahan dies, aged 76

Actress Rue McClanahan has died at the age of 76.

The star, who played Blanche Devereaux on The Golden Girls, passed away at 1am this morning after suffering a major stroke, TMZ reports.

Manager Barbara Lawrence confirmed that the actress died at a New York hospital. Her son, sister and nephew were with her at the time.

McClanahan had suffered a minor stroke earlier this year.

Following McClanahan's passing, the death of Bea Arthur last year and Estelle Getty in 2008, Betty White is now the sole surviving star of the hit NBC sitcom which ran from 1985 to 1992.