Helen Reddy, singer of feminist anthem 'I Am Woman', dies at 78

FILE PHOTO: Singer Helen Reddy poses at the 2015 G'Day USA Los Angeles Gala honoring actor Chris Hemsworth with an Excellence in Film Award, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California January 31, 2015. REUTERS/Kevork Djansezian/File Photo

Singer Helen Reddy, whose 1972 song "I Am Woman" became a global feminist anthem, died in Los Angeles aged 78 on Tuesday, her family said.

"Our hearts are broken. But we take comfort in the knowledge that her voice will live on forever," the family wrote on her official Facebook account.

Born in Australia, Reddy moved to the United States in her early 20s after winning a talent contest. She initially found success with the song "I Don’t Know How To Love Him" in 1971.

FILE PHOTO: Singer Helen Reddy poses in the VIP reception room at the 69th annual Hollywood Christmas Parade November 26, 2000 in Hollywood, California, U.S. . REUTERS/Rose Prouser/File Photo

But her song "I Am Woman" went to No. 1 in 1972 and launched her global stardom and she followed it up with a string of hits, such as "Delta Dawn", "Angie Baby" and "Ain't No Way to Treat a Lady". She hosted her own TV variety show "The Helen Reddy Show" and starred in Hollywood films.

Reddy was the world's top-selling female vocalist in 1973 and 1974. Her career tapered in the 1980s before she officially retired 2002. She was diagnosed with dementia in 2015.

FILE PHOTO: Singer Helen Reddy arrives as a guest for the fourth annual International Achievement in Arts Awards in Beverly Hills, California, U.S. October 11, 1998. REUTERS/Fred Prouser/File Photo

(Reporting by Colin Packham; Editing by Michael Perry)