Loni Anderson Burt Reynolds Princess Diana
Source: Princess Diana courtesy of John Mathew Smith via Wikimedia Creative Commons; Burt Reynolds and Loni Anderson photo by Alan Light via Wikimedia Creative Commons

Loni Anderson, 75, has confirmed a longstanding rumor about Burt Reynolds and Princess Diana.

Almost three decades ago, the Princess of Wales was facing relentless media coverage. 1993 was the height of Camillagate. Even though Diana and Charles separated in 1992, they didn’t get divorced until 1996. 

Camillagate Dominated Headlines

The press was anxious to get more information on Camilla’s interference into Princess Diana and Prince Charles’s marriage. Camilla was Charles’s secret side item even before the 1981 royal wedding.

Apparently, the affair continued for the duration of the marriage. And, Prince Charles would eventually marry Camilla Parker Bowles on April 9, 2005.

While the public was hungry for more information on how the fairytale marriage was anything but, it was taxing on Diana.

She was concerned about her sons and was tired of the limelight.

When Burt Reynolds and Loni Anderson’s divorce hit the news, it offered Diana a reprieve in an unusual way. 

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Burt And Loni’s Divorce

Burt Reynolds and Loni Anderson divorced in 1993. It was very contentious given their public profiles and the “he said, she said” accusations.

The couple had dated for six years before marrying in 1988. They adopted a son, Quinton. But, like Diana and Charles, their marriage hit the rocks due to infidelity.

Burt was allegedly having an affair with a cocktail waitress. After the divorce, Reynolds had to deal with lawsuits from that same waitress. 

The major dispute between Reynolds and Anderson following their split was about money. Three years after they called it quits, Reynolds was forced to file for bankruptcy. 

The actor accused his ex-wife of “buying everything in triplicate, from every day dresses to jewelry to china and linens” during their marriage.

Reynolds had previously been married to Judy Carne for just two years from 1963 to 1965. He also dated Sally Field for five years, and referred to her as “the love of his life.”

RELATED: Flashback: Burt Reynolds Recalls Working On ‘Gunsmoke’ In The 1960s As The ‘Happiest Years Of My Life’

Loni Confirms The Rumor

But, Burt and Loni’s divorce was helpful to Diana. 

Their relationship and divorce dominated headlines for a while, knocking Diana’s troubles off the front pages.

Burt and Loni’s misery benefitted the Princess and she sent Burt a thank you card to express her gratitude. 

Loni confirmed this on “Watch What Happens Next” with Andy Cohen during a segment when fans got to ask questions.

The “WKRP in Cincinnati” actress was asked if the thank you note rumor was true.

Cohen responded with a shocked, “No way!” because it’s such a comical rumor. 

Loni laughed and said, ‘Yes, that’s true.’

This gives us a little insight into Princess Diana. She was able to find some humor and gratitude even during the most troubling point of her life. 

RELATED: Harry And William Hold Two-Hour ‘Peace Talk’ With Charles After Prince Philip’s Funeral

You can watch Loni make this confession in the video clip below. 

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