'The Simpsons' Retiring Edna Krabappel Following Death of Marcia Wallace

Credit: FOX

The Simpsons will be retiring the character of teacher Edna Krabappel out of respect for the passing of the voice actress Marcia Wallace who died on Friday (Oct. 25) following complications with pneumonia.

"I was tremendously saddened to learn this morning of the passing of the brilliant and gracious Marcia Wallace," said executive producer Al Jean in a Facebook statement. "She was beloved by all at 'The Simpsons' and we intend to retire her irreplaceable character."

Earlier this month it was announced that the show would be killing off a long-running character, but Jean said the plan was never for Wallace's character.

Added Jean, "Earlier we had discussed a potential storyline in which a character passed away. This was not Marcia's Edna Krabappel. Marcia's passing is unrelated and again, a terrible loss for all who had the pleasure of knowing her."