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Maggie Peterson, ‘Andy Griffith Show’ actress, dead at 81

LAS VEGAS — Actress Maggie Peterson, best known for her role as Charlene Darling on “The Andy Griffith Show,” has died at age 81.

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According to The Associated Press and People magazine, Peterson’s family announced her death in a social media post Monday.

“It is with great sorrow that we report that our dear Aunt Maggie died yesterday afternoon (Sunday, May 15),” the Facebook post read. “She passed peacefully in her sleep with her family present.”

Dear Fans, Friends, and Family, It is with great sorrow that we report that our dear Aunt Maggie died yesterday...

Posted by Maggie Peterson "Charlene Darling" 1941-2022 on Monday, May 16, 2022

The post added that Peterson’s health began to decline following the death of husband Gus Mancuso, a Las Vegas jazz musician, in December, according to the news outlets.

“We are relieved that we were able to move her home to be close to family for her last days,” her family wrote in the Facebook post. “We will be planning a private service for Maggie in the next few weeks.”

In addition to her “Andy Griffith” credits in the mid-1960s, Peterson appeared in “The Bill Dana Show” in 1964 and “Return to Mayberry” in 1985, People reported.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.