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David Coverdale and Tawny Kitaen
The sudden death of Tawny Kitaen has left shockwaves through the entertainment industry. The ’80s music video vixen died in Newport Beach, California on May 7, 2021 at age 59. Her cause of death has not been released.
Kitaen was best known for her starring role in several Whitesnake videos and as the cover girl for Ratt’s breakout 1984 album, Out of the Cellar. She also appeared in the band’s video for the song “Back for More.”
Kitaen was married to Whitesnake frontman David Coverdale from 1989 to 1991 and to former MLB player Chuck Finely from 1997 to 2202. She shared two daughters, Wynter and Raine, with Finely.
Tawny Kitaen’s Ex-Husband David Coverdale Reacted to the Sad News of Her Death
Just woke up to some very sad, unexpected news…Waiting on confirmation…but, if it is true, my sincere condolences to her children, her family, friends & fans…🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/ioerp3ZRPa
— David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) May 8, 2021
As news broke of Kitaen’s death, her ex-husband David Coverdale posted to Twitter to reveal he had been notified of sad news first thing in the morning. Coverdale posted a photo of a bouquet of flowers and revealed he was waiting for “confirmation” on the death.
“Just woke up to some very sad, unexpected news,” the Whitesnake frontman wrote. “Waiting on confirmation…but, if it is true, my sincere condolences to her children, her family, friends & fans.”
Other Rock Stars Posted Messages About Tawny to Social Media
Sad to hear about the passing of the Whitesnake video model (as well as Ratt cover model) Tawny Kitaen. A little bit of my youth died right now. Rip T 🙏#tawnykitaen #ratt #outofthecellar #roundnround #supermodel #videovixen #Whitesnake #riptawnykitaen pic.twitter.com/1X3rfvnI1B
— Marten Andersson (@anderssonmarten) May 8, 2021
Other stars, including Steelheart bassist Marten Andersson, took to social media to react to Kitaen’s expected death.
Actor and singer Michael DesBarres took to Twitter to write, “I am so sorry to hear of Tawny’s passing. A turbulent life indeed. I worked with her on the new WKRP TV series & found her 2 be the wittiest, most charming, self-deprecating sexy woman, with the biggest smile.”
Original MTV VJ Martha Quinn also posted to Twitter to remember the pioneering music video star.
“Wow,” Quinn wrote. “No cause revealed but 80s fixture, @Whitesnake video star, Tawny Kitaen has passed away at 59. My deepest condolences to her loved ones, that number many.”