Raquel Welch has died aged 82

Hollywood legend Raquel Welch has died at the age of 82 after what has been described as a 'brief illness'.

Her manager confirmed the sad news to the AFP news agency.

Welch rose to fame in the 1960s for her roles in Fantastic Voyage and One Million Years B.C.

Come 1995, the Hollywood megastar was named one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in Film History in an issue of Empire magazine.

And she was also ranked in third place in Playboy's 100 Sexiest Stars of the 20th Century.

Some have taken to social media to pay tribute to Welch, showing how much she was loved not only in Hollywood, but across the world.

Taking to Twitter, NBA star Rex Chapman wrote: "Raquel Welch has passed away at the age of 82.

"What a life. Rest in peace."

He also attached a video clip from an archived TV interview.

Meanwhile, the official account for Warner Music's Rhino Records tweeted: "Oh no. RIP to the absolute legend RAQUEL WELCH."

Fans of the legendary actor also took to social media to discuss their memories of Welch in films and offer their condolences to her family.

One fan said: "One of my fondest memories was going to the movies with my mom to go see Mother, Jugs & Speed probably not appropriate for a 10 yr old but good memory nonetheless.

"Born in September 1940. RIP Raquel Welch."

And a second added: "RIP Raquel Welch. You made Fantastic Voyage the most memorable movie of my youth."

Welch married four times in her lifetime and also had two children, Tahnee and Damon, with her first husband James Welch.

Welch was also tied the knot with Patrick Curtis, Andre Weinfeld and Richie Palmer in her eventful love life.