Karunanidhi was in poor health from October 2016 and minimized his political activities and public appearances, with the last one being on his 94th birthday on June 3, 2018. On 28 July 2018, Karunanidhi’s health deteriorated and became “extremely critical and unstable”, and he was admitted at Kauvery Hospital in Chennai for treatment. He died there at 6:10 p.m. on August 7, 2018 due to age-related illness, which led to multiple organ failure.
On August 8, he was laid to rest at Marina beside his mentor Annadurai with many known figures paying tribute to him. Actress Nayanthara described the void that’s left in the state now. In an official statement, she wrote of her admiration for him and how unbelievable it is to hear of his death, considering he has been around for so long in Tamil Nadu.
“It’s been the darkest 24 hours we have ever experienced! Losing our sunshine, a phenomenal writer , orator , politician, the greatest leader and a face of our state! He has been the voice of Tamilians, represented our state and has been the headlines for almost 75 years! His achievements are unbelievable and we have always been in awe of his excellence and the way he has ruled the state for so many decades! With utmost respect and grief I express my condolences to the family of the departed leader, the cadres of DMK, and all of us who are deeply saddened by this painful demise.”
Other actors including Trisha, Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi, Rajinikanth, Dhanush, and others had visited Rajaji Hall to pay tribute to him.