(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Jane Russell has died aged 89.

The Gentlemen Prefer Blondes star died on Monday at her home in Santa Maria of a respiratory-related illness.

Her daughter-in-law Etta Waterfield has paid tribute to the actress, saying she will be greatly missed.

She always said I'm going to die in the saddle, I'm not going to sit at home and become an old woman, she told the Daily Mail.

The actress who has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was famed for her curves became one of the biggest stars of the silver screen during the 1940s and 1950s after being discovered by eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes.

The Hollywood legend who starred opposite leading men including Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra - was most famous for her role as Dorothy Shaw in 1953s Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, where she starred alongside screen siren Marilyn Monroe.

Other successful films included Gentlemen Marry Brunettes in 1955 and The Revolt of Mamie Stover the following year.

Although her film career slowed in the 1960s - during which she made only four films - Jane remained active.

Jane last performed in front of the public in the 1970s. Daughter-in-law Etta says she continued to sing until her health began to decline a few weeks ago. (C) Cover Media