Ruby Dee DEAD at 91: Actress Dies of Old Age in New York Home!

Ruby Dee has died Wednesday at the age of 91 in her New York home amidst her family, friends and loved ones, Daily Mail has learned.

Oscar-nominated actress Ruby Dee died of old age at her home in New Rochelle, New York, Nora Davis Day confirmed to The Associated Press Thursday.

"We have had her for so long and we loved her so much. She took her final bow last night at home surrounded by her children and grandchildren," Day said. "We gave her our permission to set sail. She opened her eyes, closed her eyes and away she went."

The actress and civil rights activists, who has acted opposite her husband of 56 years, Ossie Davis, was reportedly surrounded by her loved ones on her death bed.

Ruby Dee - whose credentials span stage, radio, television, and film projects - has had a very productive career with her 2007 film American Gangster being the most notable one, since it got her an Oscar nomination at the age of 83. She also won an SAG Award for the same role, according to Variety.

The Cleveland, Ohio-born and New York-raised has won an Emmy in 1991 for her performance in the Hallmark Hall of Fame: "Decoration Day," and she also got nominated for several other awards in the past.

Aside from being a versatile performer, Ruby Dee also took pride on being a civil rights activist. In fact, she was given the Lifetime Achievement Freedom award by the National Civil Rights Museum alongside her hubby, who died in 2005.

"I think you mustn't tell your body, you mustn't tell your soul, 'I'm going to retire.' You may be changing your life emphasis, but there's still things that you have in mind to do that now seems the right time to do. I really don't believe in retiring as long as you can breathe," the actress once told the Associated Press in 2001.

Ruby Dee is best known for her 1961 film 'A Raisin in the Sun,' which tackled racial discrimination and black frustration. She's also well-known for playing lead roles in soap operas in the 1950s and '60s.

Ruby Dee is survived by her three children: Nora, Hasna and Guy, and her seven grandchildren.