Susan Roces, Queen of Philippine Movies, Dies at 80

A national treasure, says daughter Sen. Grace Poe.

by Arianne Merez

FILE PHOTO: Susan Roces, wife of the late presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr., waves as she arrives to attend the religious gathering on the 27th anniversary celebration of the Jesus is Lord Movement (JIL) in Manila, Oct. 2, 2005.

Photo/s: Jay Directo, Agence France-Presse

Veteran actress Susan Roces passed away on Friday night, Sen. Grace Poe said. She was 80 years old.

Known as the Queen of Philippine Movies, Roces died "peacefully" and was "surrounded by love and warmth, with her daughter Grace, her nephews Joseph and Jeffrey, and many of her family and close friends" according to the senator.

EXPLAINER: For FPJ and Grace Poe, Susan Roces Turns Into a Fighter

"She lived life fully and gracefully. Remember her in her beauty, warmth and kindness. She is now with the Lord and her beloved Ronnie — FPJ," Poe said.

"We will miss her sorely but we celebrate a life well lived. Susan Roces — daughter, mother, grandmother, a true Filipina and a national treasure," she added.

Roces was the widow of 'Da King' Fernando Poe Jr. and is the adoptive mother of Sen. Poe.

She was last seen in the longtime running television remake of "Ang Probinsyano" on ABS-CBN.

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