Judy Belushi-Pisano, Widow of John Belushi and Producer, Dies at 73: 'There Was No One Like Her'

Judy Belushi-Pisano, the widow of John Belushi and a producer and an actress known for her work on National Lampoon's Animal House and The Blues Brothers, has died. She was 73.

The official Instagram and Facebook pages for John Belushi announced the news on Saturday, July 6, remembering Judy for her creative achievements over the years alongside her late husband. A cause of death was not revealed in the statement. The Martha's Vineyard Times reported that her death followed a "long battle" with cancer.

"Today, our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to our sweet Judy," the statement read. "Her unwavering dedication and creative genius alongside Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi gave birth to The Blues Brothers, a timeless testament to the power of music and laughter."

"In the years following John’s passing in 1982, Judy honored his life and championed his legacy and the Blues Brothers brand," the statement continued. "As we bid farewell, we pledge to continue her work, ensuring that John’s legacy, and the Blues Brothers will never fade."

The statement went on to note that "there was no one like [Judy]."

"Judy made everyone feel loved. She was nonjudgmental, light, funny and pure. You could be truly yourself around her, that alone was a gift. The Belushi and Pisano families will carry your love in their hearts forever," the statement concluded.

Alongside the tribute, John's Facebook page shared a handful of images featuring Judy and John over the years, as well as a later photo of her standing with a guitar strapped around her neck.

Friend and musician Stephen Bishop, who appeared in The Blues Brothers and contributed music to Animal House, shared his own tribute on Instagram, alongside an image of himself with the late couple.

"I have fond memories of working and hanging out with Judy and John. She was always kind to me and stayed in touch through the years. I so enjoyed seeing her at Animal House reunions," he wrote. "My memories of her are filled with warmth and affection. I’ll always cherish them."

Judy and John met during high school in Wheaton, Illinois, before later marrying in 1976. She spoke with PEOPLE in 2020 about her late husband ahead of Showtime's Belushi documentary, sharing that he told her she "should probably break up with me because I want to be an actor and I'll probably never make any money."

"But I always thought he'd do well," she said at the time.

Before John died from a drug overdose in 1982 at age 33, the pair worked together, as she appeared in minor roles in both Animal House and The Blues Brothers. The couple would also host Saturday Night Live afterparties at their home when John was a cast member on the sketch comedy show between 1975 and 1979.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

"John wasn't perfect," Judy told PEOPLE of her husband in the 2020 interview. "But he was a full human being — caring and adventurous and kind. And he not only made people laugh, he made them feel."

According to The Martha's Vineyard Times, Judy later married producer Victor Pisano in 1990 before filing for divorce in 2010.

Per the outlet, Judy spent time as a radio producer as her husband found success in comedy. She was also active in the arts throughout her life, having held local screenings and a show with Dan Aykroyd. She is survived by her children and grandchildren.