Pat Summitt, former Tennessee coach, dead at 64

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Legendary University of Tennessee women's basketball coach Pat Summitt has died, WATE reports. She was 64.

“It is with tremendous sadness that I announce the passing of my mother, Patricia Sue Head Summitt," he wrote. "She died peacefully this morning at Sherrill Hill Senior Living in Knoxville surrounded by those who loved her most."

He added, "Since 2011, my mother has battled her toughest opponent, early onset dementia, ‘Alzheimer’s Type,’ and she did so with bravely fierce determination just as she did with every opponent she ever faced. Even though it’s incredibly difficult to come to terms that she is no longer with us, we can all find peace in knowing she no longer carries the heavy burden of this disease."

Several sports stars paid tribute to Summitt on social media, including Peyton Manning.

"She could have coached any team, any sport, men's or women's," he said in a statement. "It wouldn't have mattered because Pat could flat out coach. I will miss her dearly, and I am honored to call her my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Tyler and their entire family."

On Sunday, news broke that Summitt was reportedly "struggling" and her health was deteriorating.

Summitt's family

, "I don't think anybody knows whether she will last a day, a month, or a year."

Summitt, the winningest coach in NCAA basketball history, left basketball in March 2012, just a few months after being diagnosed with early onset dementia.

"It was hard because I didn't want to, but I felt like I needed to step down,"

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over her 38-year coaching career, all as coach of Tennessee.

She also collected eight NCAA titles over her career — the second most in NCAA women's basketball history.

, she was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

– The Cox Media Group National Content Desk contributed to this report.

This video includes clips from CBS, the University of Tennessee and images from Getty Images. 

Cox Media Group