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Princess mourns actress Florence Henderson, godmother and more

(Photo: Anne Kalosh)
Florence Henderson, second right, with her fellow Emerald Princess godmothers in 2007. From left, Susan Olsen and Marion Ross. At right, Erin Moran
Florence Henderson, the actress best known for the sitcom 'The Brady Bunch,' and who had strong ties to Princess Cruises, died Thursday in Los Angeles. She was 82.

Henderson served as a godmother for Emerald Princess. She also hosted the Regal Princess naming ceremony which celebrated Princess Cruises' 50th anniversary with a reunion of 'The Love Boat' cast and many of the show's guest stars over the years—Henderson herself among them.

'All of us at Princess Cruises mourn the passing of Florence Henderson, who is forever a godmother of Emerald Princess (2007) and served as the host of the Regal Princess naming ceremony (2014). We also hold dearly a special connection to Ms. Henderson because of her numerous guest appearances on "The Love Boat,"' the line said in a statement.

Henderson, together with one of her 'Brady Bunch' daughters, Susan Olsen, and 'Happy Days' actress Marion Ross, with her stage daughter Erin Moran, were the godmothers for Emerald Princess in festivities held on Mother's Day. The ship was named in Greece, the birthplace of Mother's Day, on May 13, 2007.

In November 2014, Henderson stepped in on short notice to act as master of ceremonies for the Regal Princess naming when Tori Spelling, the daughter of 'Love Boat' producer Aaron Spelling, had to withdraw.

The spectacular Nov. 5 event alongside at Port Everglades also celebrated the 50th anniversary of Princess Cruises. It brought together 'The Love Boat' cast as godparents for the ship and featured 'gold carpet' appearances by a legion of stars who'd appeared on the show. Henderson nimbly introduced and interviewed many of them.

Princess expressed the line's condolences to Henderson's family and 'millions of fans.'