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How did Dame Barbara Windsor die? Internet says 'you'll always be an icon' after 'EastEnders' star's death at 83

Her husband Scott Mitchell issued a statement and said, 'Her passing was from Alzheimer’s/dementia and Barbara eventually died peacefully'

Dame Barbara Windsor, who was known for her roles in ‘EastEnders’ and the ‘Carry On’ films, has died at the age of 83. Her husband, Scott Mitchell, issued a statement. As reported by The Guardian, Mitchell said in a statement: “It is with deep sadness that I can confirm that my darling wife Barbara passed away at 8.35 pm on Thursday, December 10, at a London care home. Her passing was from Alzheimer’s/dementia and Barbara eventually died peacefully and I spent the last seven days by her side.”

He further said, “Myself, her family and friends will remember Barbara with love, a smile and affection for the many years of her love, fun, friendship and brightness she brought to all our lives and the entertainment she gave to so many thousands of others during her career. Barbara’s final weeks were typical of how she lived her life. Full of humour, drama and a fighting spirit until the end.”

Mitchell added, “It was not the ending that Barbara or anyone else living with this very cruel disease deserves. I will always be immensely proud of Barbara’s courage, dignity and generosity dealing with her own illness and still trying to help others by raising awareness for as long as she could.”

The Guardian reports she was born in Shoreditch, London, in 1937. She trained at the Aida Foster Theatre school in Golders Green and made her stage debut at 13. After participating in Joan Littlewood’s Theatre Workshop, she received a breakout starring role in the Littlewood and Lionel Bart musical production of ‘Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’Be’, which was followed by a starring role in Littlewood’s 1963 film ‘Sparrows Can’t Sing’. She received a best British film actress nomination for her performance in the film.

Her other film roles included ‘A Study in Terror’, ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ and as the voice of Mallymkun, The Dormouse in ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’. After the news of her death, tributes started pouring in on Twitter. Actor Danniella Westbrook, who played Windsor’s on-screen daughter Sam Mitchell on EastEnders, tweeted, “Today we lost a legend a national treasure and a woman who I looked up too for most off my life. A generous warm funny humble and beautiful lady & someone who gave us all much joy watching her act. A woman who I was lucky enough to work with for many years as my mum & a loyal…” She continued, “Friend. The brightest off all stars will now shine above us instead off among us. Sending my love to Scott  at this sad time. My heart is heavy broken in two . Bar I love you. Rest In Peace my queen .  Goodnight and God bless you.”

A user tweeted, “Heartbreaking. She was a huge part of my childhood, thank you for the laughter & equal amounts of drama as the nations true queen of the vic & a national treasure Rest in Peace Babs.” Another said, “The definition of a British national treasure rest in peace Barbara Windsor. You’ll always be an icon.” One shared, “Oh my. RIP Dame Barbara Windsor. What a legend. She will be missed and rightly be assured the status of national treasure.” A user commented, “Heartbreaking news about Barbara Windsor. Thoughts with her friends and family at this time. She was a true legend.”