Melissa Peterman Mourns Loss of Her TV Mom, Loni Anderson, in Sweet Tribute

Among the Hollywood tributes rolling in since the news broke that actress Loni Anderson died at age 79 on August 3, 2025, Hallmark star Melissa Peterman shared her grief with fans in a touching tribute to her “TV mom.”

Anderson played Nana Lyle, Peterman’s mom, on the sitcom “Baby Daddy” in 2016. Her casting was a “dream come true” for Peterman, who’s now on Reba McEntire’s “Happy’s Place” and Hallmark’s “Finding Mr. Christmas,” returning for a second season on September 15.

Peterman wrote on Instagram that, growing up, she got to watch “WKRP in Cincinnati” when Anderson was the “it girl” in Hollywood. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1946, Anderson made it “seem possible that people from Minnesota could be on tv,” she said.

Melissa Peterman Says Filming With Loni Anderson Was an ‘Unforgettable Experience’

In her tribute, Peterman wrote that she loved “WKRP in Cincinnati” and “wanted to be Jennifer Marlowe.” But she noted, “it wasn’t because she was absolutely gorgeous, but because she was the smartest one in every room and wickedly funny. She was running the place.”

“Loni Anderson was such a talent and growing up she was the ultimate It girl,” Peterman continued. “AND she was from Minnesota! She made it seem possible that people from Minnesota could be on tv.!”

“When she agreed to play my tv mom I was beyond excited,” the “Haul Out the Holly” actress recalled. “She was STUNNING. Hilarious. Kind. Up for anything. As classy and professional as they come and it was a dream come true. Her husband came with her everyday and they clearly adored each other.”

“She shared so many stories and I never wanted to go to my dressing room if she was on set,” Peterman wrote. “It was an unforgettable experience. My heart goes out to her family and everyone who loved her. I’m grateful I had a little time with her. ❤️”

Melissa Peterman Posted About Loni Anderson Joining Her Show in 2016

Peterman, who will also co-star in Hallmark’s “Haul Out the Halloween” this fall, posted on Instagram in 2016 about how thrilled she was to be working with Anderson.

Sharing multiple photos from the set, she wrote, “So excited that the amazing Loni Anderson is playing my mom on Baby Daddy! She’s as sweet as she is beautiful. I’m sure it was just a coincidence that the 1st time my husband stopped by the set in years was when she was there.”

Tributes from Hollywood have been pouring in since news broke of Anderson’s passing. The star’s publicist told the Associated Press that the Emmy died at age 79 in a Los Angeles hospital, following a long illness.

Morgan Fairchild, who starred with Anderson in the 2023 Lifetime movie “Ladies From the 80s,” wrote on Instagram, “who also starred in the 2009 Hallmark movie “Perfect on Paper,” wrote that Anderson was “one of the genuinely nicest ladies I’ve ever worked with, on set of our recent Christmas movie with @thedonnamills. We had so much fun on this! She will be greatly missed!”

Barbara Eden wrote that she was “at a loss for words” over Anderson’s death. She shared on Instagram, “Like many, I am absolutely stunned and heartbroken. Our friendship has spanned many years, and news like this is never easy to hear or accept. What can I say about Loni that everyone doesn’t already know? She was a real talent, with razor smart wit and a glowing sense of humor… but, even more than that, she had an impeccable work ethic. Even beyond that, Loni was a darling lady and a genuinely good person … I am truly at a loss for words.”