Perrine's death was announced on Facebook by her friend and carer Stacey Souther, she wrote: “It is with deep sadness that I share the heartbreaking news that Valerie has passed away. She faced Parkinson’s disease with incredible courage and compassion, never once complaining. She was a true inspiration who lived life to the fullest—and what a magnificent life it was."
"The world feels less beautiful without her in it. I love you, Valerie. I’ll see you on the other side, 
" he continued.
Souther asked readers to consider donating to her funeral GoFundMe page, "Please consider donating, sharing, and helping spread the word for her funeral GoFundMe. Her final wish is to be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery, but after more than 15 years of fighting Parkinson’s, her finances are exhausted. Let’s come together to make her last wish a reality—she truly deserves it."
Perrine made her film debut in 1972 in the film 'Slaughterhouse-Five' which was based on the 1969 novel by Kurt Vonnegut. She also received Best Actress at the Oscars for her role in in the 1974 biopic Lenny.
Perrine was best known for her iconic role in the Christopher Reeve-starring Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980) as Eve Teschmacher.
She was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2015 and became the main topic of Souther's 45 minute documentary in 2019, focusing on Perrine's experience living with the disease. Souther wrote that she showed “incredible courage and compassion" and never once complained.
Souther and Perrine met in the early 2000's and were inseparable since , according to an interview in the Hollywood Reporter. Souther was Perrine's carer since she was diagnosed with the disease, they revealed in the interview that Souther "transports Perrine to every doctor appointment. He makes sure, along with the help of a caregiver, that Perrine is fed, happy and comfortable. They watch movies together in the evenings, after which Souther will frequently spend the night on an inflatable mattress spread out across the floor. For this, he accepts no payment."
Speaking of his time caring for Perrine, he said: “I’m sure people are like, ‘Why does he do it? It’s weird to hear the question to me because I’m like, ‘Why wouldn’t you do it?"
