Then: Buckley had the unenviable task of replacing the Bradfords’ mom, played by Diana Hyland; Hyland died of breast cancer after filming only four episodes. As further evidence of Eight’s quality, the producers actually dealt with Joan Bradford’s death, making Tom a widower at the start of season 2. Enter Buckley as Sandra Sue “Abby” Abbott, who eventually marries Tom. Buckley said on the Today show in 2010 that the situation was “like being a real stepmother,” but fans agree that she made it work.