Ryan O'Neal, 'ANGELS' And Friends Comment On Fawcett Passing

Three-time Emmy Award nominated actress and pop culture superstar Farrah Fawcett passed away this morning after a long battle with rectal cancer.

The actress led a career that spanned over three decades, Farrah Fawcett was best known for her role on Charlie's Angels. Fawcett left the popular series to pursue roles in film, stage and television. That move would allow her to stretch her acting talents and gain respect and acclaim for her dramatic work. Her family, loved ones and friends have spoken out about her passing in emotional tributes to the time they spent with the television icon.

In a statement released to Entertainment Tonight her longtime love Ryan O'Neal commented, "After a long and brave battle with cancer, our beloved Farrah has passed away. Although this is an extremely difficult time for her family and friends, we take comfort in the beautiful times that we shared with Farrah over the years and the knowledge that her life brought joy to so many people around the world. He added for the ET cameras, "Farrah is gone."

Her son Redmond was not there at Fawcett's side when she died, but spoke to his mother on the phone and told her "how much he loved her and asked her to please forgive him that he was so very, very sorry," O'Neal told PEOPLE.

Her best friend Alana Stewart give her sad reaction to the death of the actress, just moments after her passing. "I just lost my best friend," Stewart remarked.

Actor George Hamilton, the former husband of Alana Stewart said of the actress, "She was the strongest woman I ever met who fought this battle for three years to the end. She never felt sorry for herself, and she was the sweetest and kindest lady and I will miss her very much."

Fawcett's Charlie's Angels co-stars Jaclyn Smith, Kate Jackson and the actress who replaced her on the hit show, Cheryl Ladd, were among the first celebrities to remember the star.

Smith commented, "She had courage and strength... Now she has peace as she rests with real angels." And Ladd told HollyScoop.com, "I'm terribly sad about Farrah's passing. She was incredibly brave, and God will be welcoming her with open arms."

I will miss Farrah every day," commented Kate Jackson to PEOPLE. "She was a selfless person who loved her family and friends with all her heart, and what a big heart it was. Farrah showed immense courage and grace throughout her illness and was an inspiration to those around her. When I think of Farrah I will remember her kindness, her cutting dry wit and, of course, her beautiful smile."

Farrah Fawcett's Charlie's Angels boss John Forsythe paid tribute to the late star, calling the actress an "indelible" force of nature. The Dynasty star, who voiced the character Charlie in the hit TV series, was among the first celebrities to honor her. He says, "Though I did not know her well, Farrah left an indelible mark on me and the public during her one-year reign on Charlie's Angels. She put up a gallant fight against her unforgiving disease and I send my deepest sympathy and prayers to her family and friends.

Fawcett's former husband, Lee Majors, says, "She fought a tremendous battle against a terrible disease. She was an angel on earth and now an angel forever."

Hairstylist Jose Eber, who created Fawcett's famous blonde mane, says, "She was blessed with the most amazing hair anybody could have."

Friends and family plan to honor Fawcett with a funeral service at a Catholic cathedral in Los Angeles in the next few days.