Carrie Fisher, best known for playing Princess Leia in Star Wars, has died aged 60.

Her daughter, Scream Queens actress Billie Lourd confirmed the shock news in a statement to People on Tuesday. 

“It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 8:55 this morning,” the statement reads. “She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly. Our entire family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers.”

Carrie, the daughter of legendary Hollywood actress Debbie Reynolds and singer Eddie Fisher, went into cardiac arrest on a flight from London to Los Angeles on Friday, and was rushed to hospital where she was placed in intensive care.

Debbie wrote on Facebook on Tuesday: “Thank you to everyone who has embraced the gifts and talents of my beloved and amazing daughter. I am grateful for your thoughts and prayers that are now guiding her to her next stop. Love Carrie’s Mother.”

Carrie became an instant household name with her role as Princess Leia.

She also starred in films When Harry Met Sally, Shampoo, The Blues Brothers and also reprised her role as Leia in The Force Awakens just last year.

This year, she had also released a memoir, The Princess Diarist, which details her time on the Star Wars set and her affair with costar Harrison Ford.

During her time, she had been open about her struggles with substance abuse and bipolar disorder, as well as her high-profile relationships, including marriage to Paul Simon in 1983 and their divorce just a year later.

Carrie spoke about death in an interview with Rolling Stone last month.

When asked if she feared death the actress said: “No. I fear dying. Anything with pain associated with it, I don't like. I've been there for a couple of people when they were dying; it didn't look like fun. But if I was gonna do it, I'd want someone like me around. And I will be there!”

.@CarriefFisher was a brilliant writer, actor, and friend. She was so much fun. I can't believe she's gone. https://t.co/wpxGvBWA0b

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 27, 2016

No. No. Fuck this shit. Carrie Fisher is a fucking legend and this is bullshit.

— Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) December 27, 2016

I'm deeply saddened to learn of the death of Carrie Fisher. I will miss our banterings. A wonderful talent & light has been extinguished.

— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 27, 2016

Fuck this year. Fuck this whole sick, worthless cruel prank of a year. #RIPCarrieFisher

— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) December 27, 2016

Images: Getty