Bob Mackie’s cause of death has been revealed.
Mackie died of pneumonia at 10:40 a.m. in Palm Springs, California, on Monday, September 14, his rep confirmed to People. He was 87.
The legendary fashion designer’s death was announced via Instagram on Monday.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today,” the post read. “He lived his 87 years to the fullest, fulfilling his dream of being a Fashion and Costume Designer, which is all he ever wanted to do. His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world.”
Mackie was one of Hollywood’s most famous costumers, having collaborated with countless stars, from Cher, Carol Burnett, Tina Turner and Diana Ross to Sabrina Carpenter and Miley Cyrus. Some of his best-known designs include Cher’s iconic naked dress at the 1974 Met Gala and the original sketch for Marilyn Monroe’s sheer crystal-embellished “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” dress, which was later created by Jean Louis.
Many stars have paid tribute to Mackie in the wake of his death, including Cher, 80, and Burnett, 93.
“My dear Bob has gone up to heaven,” Cher wrote via X on Monday. “Knowing him, he’s bringing sequins, beads & his sketch pad. Good nite sweet Prince. Luv Me.”
Meanwhile, Burnett wrote via Instagram, “Sadness doesn’t come close to how I feel. I loved him very much. As for his genius, there are fashion designers who don’t do costumes, and there are costume designers who don’t do fashion. Bob did it all. There was no one like him.”
Cyrus, 33, took to her Instagram Story on Monday to share a photo of the silver fringe dress Mackie designed for her to wear at the Grammy Awards in 2024. She wrote over the snap, “You completed me @bobmackie. I love you.”
Carpenter, 27, wrote via her Instagram Story that she was “terribly devastated” to learn of Mackie’s death.
“I feel so lucky to have met Bob,” she continued. “His one of a kind creations have inspired and brought so much happiness and confidence to my world and they will continue to always x. Mackie girl forever.”
Mackie was predeceased by his son, Robert Gordon Mackie Jr., whom he shared with his ex-wife, LuLu Porter. The pair were married from 1960 to 1963. Mackie later dated fellow designer Ray Aghayan from 1963 until his death in 2011.
