Los Angeles, May 26 (IANS): Jennifer Aniston's mother, Nancy Dow, has passed away and the actress requested her fans to respect their privacy.

Aniston confirmed the news on Wednesday, reports aceshowbiz.com.

In an official statement, Aniston said: “It is with great sadness that my brother John (Melick) and I announce the passing of our mother Nancy Dow. 

"She was 79 years old and passed away peacefully surrounded by family after enduring a long illness. We ask that our family's privacy be respected as we grieve our loss.” 

While Aniston didn't share details of her mother's illness, according to reports, Dow, who was also an actress, suffered a series of strokes and lost the ability to speak and walk prior to her death. 

Aniston and her mother were estranged for nearly a decade after Dow penned a memoir "From Mother and Daughter to Friends" in 1999 about her famous child. The two reconciled after Aniston and Brad Pitt divorced in 2005.