Tyler Perry‘s mother, Willie Maxine Perry, died Tuesday (Dec 8) of complications related to an unknown illness. She was 64 years old. The famous movie producer/playwright confirmed the sad news on his official website yesterday with a simple message: “Thank you for all your prayers.”

Perry said he based his most popular — and notorious — character, Madea, partially on his mom. “My mother is the wisdom of Madea,” Perry said in a 2006 AJC interview. Late Tuesday morning, he sent out posts on his FaceBook and Twitter pages directing fans and followers to his Web site saying, “I just sent out an email that I’d like to share with you. Please check it out.”

According to the FaceBook page “Please Pray for Mother Maxine Perry — Tyler’s Mom,” she has been sick since late August, although no details about an ailment werementioned. Maxine Perry was a pre-school teacher who worked at the New Orleans Jewish Community Center most of her life. Perry said he and his siblings endured the abuse of their father Emmett R. Perry Sr., for whom Tyler was named before changing his name. But he said his mother bore the brunt of the abuse when he was younger.

Peary was reportedly planning to go on the road for another tour of live “Madea” shows, according to StraightFromTheA.com, but it is unclear how his mother’s death will impact his schedule.

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