Valerie Harper says she has terminal brain cancer

Valerie Harper, Mary Tyler Moore and Cloris Leachman. (Reuters)

Valerie Harper and Nancy Walker as Rhoda Morgenstern and Mom, scene from TV series "Rhoda." (AP)

Valerie Harper is seen in this 1994 file photo. (AP)

TV icon Valerie Harper, best known for her role as Rhoda on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," has revealed she has terminal brain cancer.

The 73-year-old actress, who battled lung cancer in 2009, opened up about her diagnosis to People magazine.

She said she found out about her illness on Jan. 15, 2012. Doctors say the beloved actress has about three months left to live.

We spoke to her on Jan. 9, just a week before her terrible diagnosis, and she was cheerful and upbeat when talking about her book, "I, Rhoda."

In the memoir, the New Jersey native writes candidly about her beginnings as a chorus girl on Broadway, eventually landing in Hollywood and the role that changed her life - Rhoda Morgenstern.

And even with her latest diagnosis, it seems Harper is maintaining her positive outlook on life.

"I don't think of dying," she told People. "I think of being here now."