Nora Ephron has passed away at the age of 71. The Hollywood legend succumbed to leukemia.

Ephron was reportedly gravely ill all day today and was in a hospital before she passed away.

Earlier in the day fans had burst onto the Internet to express concerns following celebrity columnist and friend Liz Smith publishing what appeared to be a memorial for the writer.

According to the Associated Press, Smith spoke to Ephron's son on Tuesday morning and was informed that the much loved filmmaker was dying. She even went as far as saying that funeral plans had already been arranged and put in place.

After hearing the sad news, Smith took to her column on Women of the Web to write her memorial piece to her friend.

No further details were listed about Ephron's precise condition, but what news was given did not seem hopeful.

Ephron is 71 years old and has had a prestigious career; she has written popular books such as "Crazy Salad" and "Heartburn." However, she may be most well known for movies "When Harry Met Sally", "Sleepless in Seattle" and "Julia & Julia."

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