Suzanne Whang, former host of HGTV series House Hunters, died Tuesday (Sept. 17) after a 13-year battle with cancer.

Whang’s partner Jeff Vezain shared the news of her passing on Facebook today (Sept. 20). She was 56.

“She confronted cancer with courage, humor, determination and optimism,” Vezain wrote. “She was immensely encouraged by the love of her family, friends and those she had yet to meet. Your kind, loving messages have always lifted her spirits.”

Born in Arlington, Virginia on Sept. 28, 1962, Whang is best known for her nearly decade-long stint as the host and narrator of House Hunters from 1999 to 2007, though her acting career spanned decades.

A statement issued from HGTV to Realscreen read: “Suzanne was warm, funny and kind with a distinctive voice that made everyone feel at home. Our HGTV family mourns her loss and wishes to express deepest condolences to her friends, fans and family who knew and loved her.”

She had also appeared on NBC’s Las Vegas series from 2005 to 2008, ABC’s General Hospital in 2011, Fox’s Arrested Development in 2013, Showtime’s Dexter in 2013 and many other series, as well as a number of films.

The actress and host was also an award-winning comedian and author of the 2006 book Suzanne Whang’s Guide to Happy Home Buying. In 2013, she won Best Up & Coming Comedian at the Las Vegas Comedy Festival for her character Sung Hee Park.

“Her audacious sense of humor blessed many, shocked few, but allowed us to laugh in the face of adversity,” Vezain stated in the Facebook post. “She was an amazing daughter, sister, friend, mentor and advocate.”

(Photo: Suzanne Whang/Facebook)