Florence Henderson, who played the virtuous matriarch on "The Brady Bunch" -- the iconic US TV series of the early 1970s -- has died at the age of 82.

Henderson passed away from heart failure at a Los Angeles hospital, according to US media.

The actress rose to television stardom after scoring the role of Carol Brady on the hit sitcom centered on a suburban American family.

"The Brady Bunch" featured a wholesome family formed when a widow and a widower -- each raising three girls and three boys, respectively -- decide to marry.

The series premiered in 1969 and ran until 1974,  but is still in syndication today.

"Florence Henderson was a dear friend for so many years," tweeted Henderson's "Brady Bunch" co-star Maureen McCormick, widely known for her role as the eldest daughter Marcia on the classic show.

"Love & hugs to her family. I'll miss u dearly #RIPFlorence," McCormick wrote.

Born in Indiana on February 14, 1934, Henderson's more than six-decade acting career began at age 17 when she enrolled in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. 

She debuted on Broadway at 18 with a small part in the musical "Wish You Were Here," and later nabbed a breakout role as the lead in the musical "Oklahoma!" 

In addition to the original "Brady Bunch," Henderson appeared in several spinoff shows including "The Brady Brides" in 1981 and "The Bradys" in 1990, as well as several movies based on the sitcom.

Source: AFP