Hollywood star Doris Day dies aged 97

Doris Day, whose wholesome screen presence stood for a time of innocence in 1960s films, has died, her foundation says. She was 97.

The Doris Day Animal Foundation confirmed Day died early on Monday at her Carmel Valley, California, home.

"Day had been in excellent physical health for her age, until recently contracting a serious case of pneumonia, resulting in her death," the foundation said in an emailed statement.

She was known for her honey-voiced singing and was an actor whose film dramas, musicals and innocent sex comedies made her a top star in the 1950s and '60s and among the most popular screen actresses in history.

With her lilting contralto, wholesome blonde beauty and glowing smile, she was a top box office draw and recording artist known for such films as Pillow Talk and That Touch of Mink and for such songs as Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera) from the Alfred Hitchcock film The Man Who Knew Too Much.

She celebrated her 97th birthday on April 3.