American singer and actress Eartha Kitt, who has captivated audiences for more than 60 years died on Thursday (December 25) at the age of 81.

According to Reuters, Kitt died of colon cancer that was detected and treated two years ago, but recurred recently.

"She came back strongly. She had been performing until two months ago," Andrew Freedman, her long-time friend and publicist, said. "We had dates booked through 2009."

"She was certainly a legendary performer and while I think there may have been many imitations, she was an original," he continued.

During her long career, Kitt won numerous awards, including two Emmys, and was nominated for a Grammy and two Tony awards.

She also enjoyed musical success with such hit songs as "C'est Si Bon," "Let's Do It" and "Just an Old Fashioned Girl." Kitt was also was widely associated with Christmas because of her hit "Santa Baby." The song, recorded in 1953, went gold this year. She received the gold record before she died, Freedman told Reuters.

Eartha had a daughter named Kitt as well.