Christina Sandera, Clint Eastwood’s long-time partner, has reportedly died. She was 61 years old.

“Christina was a loving, caring woman and I will miss her greatly,” Eastwood, 94, said in a statement Thursday, according to The Hollywood Reporter and TheWrap. A cause of death was not given.

USA TODAY has reached out to a representative for Eastwood for comment.

On Saturday, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation paid tribute to Sandera, who served on the nonprofit’s board of directors, on social media.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the tragic news of the passing of our beloved board member Christina Sandera on July 18, 2024,” said the caption of a post on the organization’s Instagram account.

The foundation described Sandera as a “dedicated philanthropist and animal rights activist” who was passionate about equestrian sports and marine life. She and Eastwood previously hosted a gala for the foundation at the Tehàma Clubhouse, owned by the “Million Dollar Baby” actor and director.

“Despite her connection to celebrity life, Christina often avoided the spotlight. She was much more comfortable in jeans, braids and a baseball cap, shoveling and caring for her beloved horses and animals. She was a person who rolled up her sleeves, always pitched in and devoted herself fully to her passions,” the caption reads.

Christina Sandera and Clint Eastwood debuted their relationship in 2015

Sandera and Eastwood have kept their relationship relatively private over the past decade, aside from occasional appearances at high-profile events such as the premieres of “The Mule” and “The 15:17 to Paris” in 2018. The duo made their red carpet debut at the 2015 Academy Awards, where the Eastwood-directed “American Sniper” received six nominations.

In June 2014, Us Weekly reported that Eastwood was in a romantic relationship with Sandera, who was reportedly an employee of Eastwood’s Mission Ranch hotel and restaurant in Carmel, California. Six months later, Eastwood finalized his divorce from his second wife, former television reporter Dina Eastwood, after 17 years of marriage.

Eastwood was married to his first wife, Maggie Johnson, from 1953 to 1984.

News of Sandera’s death comes a month after Eastwood’s youngest daughter, 27-year-old Morgan, announced her wedding to Tanner Koopmans. Her father walked her down the aisle during the ceremony, which took place at Mission Ranch, according to People magazine.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Clint Eastwood’s partner Christina Sandera dies at 61: reports