(CNN) The restaurateur, model and author B. Smith died on Saturday after a battle with Alzheimer's disease, her husband Dan Gasby said in a statement. She was 70 years old.

"Thank you to all the friends and fans who supported B. and our family during her journey," Gasby said. "Thank you to everyone for respecting our privacy during this agonizing time."

"Heaven is shining even brighter now that it is graced with B.'s dazzling and unforgettable smile."

Smith, whose full name was Barbara Elaine Smith, was a multi-faceted and multi-talented personality.

In addition to building restaurants and a home decor collection, over the years, Smith was a fashion model, actress, broadcast talent and bestselling cookbook author. In 1976 she became one of the first African American women to appear on the cover of "Mademoiselle" magazine. "B. Smith with Style," her syndicated talk show, aired nationally on NBC stations for several years. She also ran three popular restaurants.

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