(CNN) - Teri Shields, mother of actress and model Brooke Shields, has died.

The New York Times reports that a spokesman for the actress says Teri Shields' death followed a long illness related to dementia.

Shields raised her daughter as a single mother and also managed her career. She was responsible for Brooke's first movie role in the 1978 film "Pretty Baby" and her first modeling gig for Calvin Klein jeans.

Brooke Shields released a statement to CNN saying:
"My mother was an enormous part of my life and of who I am today. I loved her, laughed with her, and respected her. And although she had her share of struggles, she was my mom."

Teri Shields was 79-years-old.

CNN