Conversation so far:
What was Ethel Merman doing in later years?
On April 7, 1983, she was preparing to travel to Los Angeles to appear on the 55th Academy Awards telecast.
Did Ethel Merman develop any health problems in later life?
Merman was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma and the tumor caused Merman to become aphasic, and as her illness progressed, she lost her hair and her face swelled.
How did Ethel Merman die?
After she was diagnosed with brain cancer, Merman died at her home in Manhattan at the age of 76.
What day did Ethel Merman die?
On February 15, 1984 Merman died at her home in Manhattan at the age of 76.

Question: Was she well known for anything?
Self-contained rewrite: Was Ethel Merman well known for anything regarding musical theatre?