Penny Marshall's Final Moments: A Heartfelt Goodbye From Her Sister

It’s been just over a day since the world lost the incredible Penny Marshall, who tragically passed away at the age of 75 on Monday, December 17, due to complications from diabetes. Now, her sister, Ronny Marshall Hallin, has stepped forward to share some touching and comforting words about Penny’s final moments. “She was ready,” Ronny, who is 80 years old, revealed to Page Six on Tuesday, December 18. “She always said, ‘I had a great life,’” Ronny shared, giving us a glimpse into Penny’s serene and contented state of mind as she prepared to leave this world.

Ronny went on to describe Penny as someone who was truly remarkable, saying, “Penny was great — I loved her.” She added that Penny’s passing was incredibly peaceful, happening in her Hollywood Hills, California home, surrounded by her cherished family. This heartbreaking news comes just over two years after the loss of their beloved brother, Garry Marshall, who passed away at the age of 81 in July 2016. The family has been through so much, yet their love and support for each other remain unwavering.

“Our family is heartbroken over the passing of Penny Marshall,” the Marshall family expressed in a statement to Closer. They went on to honor Penny in her obituary, saying, “Penny was a tomboy who adored sports, enjoyed solving puzzles, loved drinking milk and Pepsi together, and cherished spending time with her family. Penny was a girl from the Bronx who ventured out West, adorned a cursive ‘L’ on her sweater, and transformed herself into a Hollywood success story. We hope her life continues to inspire others to prioritize time with family, work diligently, and make every dream a reality.”

Penny's Remarkable Career Legacy

Of course, Penny was not only beloved for her role as Laverne on Laverne & Shirley, but she also made history as a director. In 1988, she directed Tom Hanks in the iconic film Big, becoming the first woman ever to direct a film that grossed over $100 million at the box office. Her career was nothing short of extraordinary, as she also directed A League of Their Own and Awakenings. On television, Penny graced the screen with her talent on shows like Murder Police and The Odd Couple. Her contributions to the entertainment industry will forever leave a lasting impact.

Penny Marshall will be deeply missed by everyone in Hollywood and across the globe. As we reflect on her life and legacy, our thoughts and prayers remain with the entire Marshall family during this incredibly difficult time.