Sarah Paulson Is Still Reeling But Tight-Lipped On Diane Keaton's Memories

By Afouda Bamidele on October 17, 2025 at 5:30 PM EDT

A photo collage of Diane Keaton and Sarah Paulson
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The loss of Hollywood legend Diane Keaton continues to break hearts across the globe, and actress Sarah Paulson is no exception.

Although the entertainer recently marked a new career achievement, the memory of her late friend remained a constant reminder in her heart. The pair's relationship began over two decades ago when they met on the set of a movie.

Diane Keaton took her final breath on October 11 at the age of 79 following a hidden health battle. Many celebrities have honored her life and achievements in the entertainment industry with heartfelt tributes.

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Sarah Paulson Remembers Diane Keaton During New Series Debut

Sarah Paulson at the World Premiere Of Hulu's ''All'S Fair''
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Paulson dressed up for the world premiere of Hulu's "All's Fair" series, in which she stars alongside a string of popular celebrities, including Kim Kardashian and Teyana Taylor. Although it was a big night for the actress, she could not wholly enjoy herself, given Keaton's death just days earlier.

When asked about how she was coping amid the heartbreaking loss of a dear pal, Paulson could not delve into the details of their years-long friendship. "I was incredibly close to her and this is a profoundly sad time for me," she confessed to The Hollywood Reporter.

"I can't talk about it in any way that's articulate other than to say that for all you knew and loved about her as a performer, she was even more as a friend," Paulson added.

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In a separate interview that same night, she became emotional while labeling herself "the luckiest person in the world" for having known Keaton the way she did.

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Paulson Honored The Hollywood Icon Weeks Before Her Death

Keaton's death must have hit Paulson hard, as she had raved about the legendary actress just weeks before her passing. In September, she recalled the story of their years-long connection at Chanel's Through Her Lens Luncheon in New York, while speaking to InStyle Magazine.

The pals met on the set of Garry Marshall's 1999 drama, "The Other Sister." Keaton played the mother of Paulson's character, a key memory in the latter's life.

"It was a really thrilling experience, and she was the most generous, just playful, fun, alive performer and really taught me the power of beats in a scene," Paulson gushed.

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She confessed that she "was so scared" because the project was her first studio movie; however, Keaton stood by her side. Paulson noted that the icon's decision to support sparked their decades-long friendship, and she felt grateful for the bond they shared.

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The Keaton Family Revealed The TV Personality's Cause Of Death

Diane Keaton at 2012 WHCA Guest Arrivals
Ron Sachs - CNP / MEGA

Days after Keaton's death, her family broke their silence by revealing her cause of death in a statement. The Blast covered the story, reporting that they thanked the public for their touching tributes and messages before announcing the actress's passing from pneumonia.

Keaton's family urged fans to honor her memory by donating to the causes she supported, such as animal shelters or a food bank. They explained that she was a steadfast advocate for the unhoused community and animals in need.

Sources shed more light on Keaton's death, revealing that she had hidden health issues that worsened earlier this year. Her condition reportedly declined months after her home was damaged in the Los Angeles wildfires, leading to her temporary stay in Palm Springs.

The Oscar Winner Spent Her Final Days Surrounded By Love

Diane Keaton at Humane Society Of The United States' Annual To The Rescue! Los Angeles Benefit
IPA/MEGA

More details about Keaton's final months have emerged, with The Blast reporting that an insider claimed her health "declined very suddenly, which was heartbreaking for everyone who loved her." They explained it was shocking to see someone with her vigor lose her spirit.

As her health worsened, Keaton's family spent as much time as possible with her until her final moment. The insider confirmed this by saying, "In her final months, she was surrounded only by her closest family, who chose to keep things very private."

They added that Keaton's closest friends were unaware of her health battles, whose signs many missed. In March, the late entertainer placed her "dream home" on the market for $29 million. She once declared she would stay there forever, but fate had other plans.

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Diane Keaton's Ex Honored Her With A Touching Tribute

Woody Allen holding a hat
maximon / MEGA

Keaton's ex-partner and fellow Hollywood veteran, Woody Allen, celebrated her life in a heartfelt essay.The Blast shared that he argued the words "most unique" might be grammatically incorrect, but that did not apply when describing Keaton.

Allen lauded her as someone incomparable to others, stressing that her kind would never grace this world after her death. He explained that he had cherished Keaton as a romantic partner and colleague, claiming he valued her opinions more than others.

The actor confessed that he would re-edit his work based on her criticism and did not stop until he got a satisfactory response from Keaton. Allen added that he would not be the same without his former flame, declaring that the world was no longer as bright as it once was.

Rest in peace, Diane Keaton.

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