Elizabeth Taylor Dies at 79

Legendary actress, AIDS activist and LGBT icon Elizabeth Taylor died Wednesday morning in Los Angeles. She was 79.

Her death was confirmed to CBS Radio News and other outlets shortly after 9 a.m eastern time.

Taylor's publicist, Sally Morrison, told the Associated Press that the actress died of congestive heart failure at Cedars-Sinai Hospital. Taylor had been treated for symptoms of the condition in recent weeks.

Taylor's son, Michael Wilding, released the following statement as first reported by ABC News: “My mother was an extraordinary woman who lived life to the fullest, with great passion, humor, and love. Though her loss is devastating to those of us who held her so close and so dear, we will always be inspired by her enduring contribution to our world.”

The Academy Award winner was one of the first stars in Hollywood to publicly address AIDS. She helped to start the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amFAR) after the death of her friend Rock Hudson. She also started her own charity, the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. Even in failing health, Taylor was a staple at various charitable fundraisers around the country to fight the disease.

Stay tuned to Advocate.com for more on this developing story.