Loni Anderson, the beloved actress best known for her iconic role as Jennifer Marlowe on WKRP in Cincinnati, left behind a loving family when she passed away on August 3, 2025, at the age of 79. While her glamorous Hollywood career and high-profile marriages often made headlines, her most cherished role was that of a devoted mother. She raised two children—her daughter, Deidra Hoffman, from her first marriage, and her son, Quinton Anderson Reynolds, whom she adopted with Burt Reynolds. Both kids grew up away from the spotlight, but their bond with their famous mom was a constant in Anderson’s life.
Anderson’s family was her anchor, especially in her later years. She often spoke about the joy her children and grandchildren brought her, and despite the turbulence of her marriages, she remained fiercely protective of her kids. Now, as fans mourn her passing, many are reflecting not just on her career but on the family she nurtured—one that stood by her through health struggles, Hollywood drama, and quiet, happy moments alike.
You Might Like: LeRoy Family’s Nampa, Idaho Tragedy
Deidra Hoffman: Loni’s Daughter and Her Quiet Strength
Deidra Hoffman, born in the mid-1960s during Loni Anderson’s brief marriage to real estate developer Bruce Hasselberg, was Loni’s only biological child. Unlike her mother, Deidra chose a life outside of Hollywood, working as a school administrator in California. Anderson was incredibly proud of her daughter’s career and often praised her resilience, especially after Deidra was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Loni became a vocal advocate for MS awareness, using her platform to support research and share her daughter’s journey.
Their relationship was one of deep mutual respect. In interviews, Anderson described Deidra as strong-willed and independent, traits she admired. Though Deidra rarely appeared in the media, she was a steady presence in her mother’s life. She married Charlie Hoffman, and together they had two daughters, McKenzie and Megan—Anderson’s beloved granddaughters. Loni often gushed about them, recalling how much she loved being a grandmother. In a 2003 interview, she joked about the challenges of parenting a teenager (Quinton) while spoiling her grandkids, sharing a funny story about how her son once scolded her for embarrassing him in public by holding his arm.
Deidra’s health struggles brought them even closer. Anderson once revealed that seeing her daughter battle MS was heartbreaking, but it also strengthened their bond. She credited Deidra’s determination for inspiring her own perseverance during tough times, including her highly publicized divorce from Burt Reynolds. Even in her final years, Anderson made sure to prioritize family, often stepping back from acting to spend time with Deidra and her grandchildren.
Quinton Anderson Reynolds: The Son She Shared with Burt Reynolds
Quinton Anderson Reynolds, adopted by Loni and Burt Reynolds in 1988, was the center of his mother’s world. Despite the bitter end of her marriage to Burt, Anderson always made it clear that Quinton was the best thing to come out of their relationship. She once said adopting him was “the best decision we ever made,” and even after the divorce, she ensured Quinton maintained a relationship with his father.
Quinton grew up away from Hollywood’s glare, opting for a behind-the-scenes career in the film industry as a camera assistant. Unlike his parents, he valued privacy, rarely giving interviews or making public appearances. But he was always by his mom’s side during important moments, including when Burt Reynolds passed away in 2018. Together, Loni and Quinton released a heartfelt statement honoring Burt, calling him a “wonderful director and actor” and reflecting on the laughter he brought into their lives.
Anderson adored her son’s quiet, steady nature. In interviews, she fondly recalled his childhood, sharing anecdotes about his independence and dry sense of humor. One of her favorite stories was about how, as a teenager, Quinton once dramatically chastised her for embarrassing him by touching his arm in front of “hundreds of people” at an event. She laughed about it years later, saying it was proof of his strong personality.
Also See: Who Is Sha’Carri Richardson’s Boyfriend?
Even as an adult, Quinton remained close to his mother. When Anderson’s health declined in her final years, he was a constant support. Though he stayed out of the public eye, those who knew the family said their bond was unshakable. And now, as the world remembers Loni Anderson, it’s clear that her greatest legacy wasn’t just her acting—it was the love she poured into her kids, the memories they shared, and the family that surrounded her until the very end.
