Washington: Hollywood legend and four-time Oscar-winner Katharine Hepburn died at the age of 96 surrounded by family and friends.

Hepburn, who was keeping poor health for several years, died at her home in Old Saybrook, Connecticut on June 29.

Glowing tributes poured in for the actress who dominated the screen with her sheer intelligence and personality.

US President George W Bush recalled the Hollywood icon as "one of the nation's artistic treasure".

"Katharine Hepburn delighted audiences with her unique talent for more than six decades. She was known for her intelligence and wit and will be remembered as one of the nation's artistic treasures. Laura joins me in sending our thoughts and prayers to her family," the President said in a statement.

Counted among the greatest film icons by the American Film Institute, Hepburn was nominated 12 times for the Oscar and won the coveted prize for "Morning Glory" (1933), "Guess who's Coming to Dinner" (1967), "The Lion in Winter" (1968) and "On Golden Pond" (1981).

Her fellow acting legend Elizabeth Taylor paid a glowing tribute to the actress.

PTI