The American-born Spaniard was announced as the world's oldest person in 2023

The world's oldest person, Maria Branyas Morera, has died at the age of 117.

On Tuesday, Aug. 20, her family announced on X (formerly known as Twitter) that Morera had died "peacefully" in her sleep.

"Maria Branyas has left us. She has died as she wanted: in her sleep, peacefully and without pain," they wrote in Catalan. "A few days ago she told us: 'One day I will leave here. I will not try coffee again, nor eat yogurt, nor caress the Fairy..., I will also leave my memories, my reflections...' "

Morera also told the family "I will cease to exist in this body," they stated in a follow-up post. "One day I don't know, but it's very close, this long journey will be over," she continued. "Death will find me worn out from having lived so long, but I want it to find me smiling, free and satisfied."

"We will always remember her for her advice and kindness," her family added in a post translated from Catalan.

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According to the organization, Morera was born in San Francisco on March 4, 1907 -- the same year as the late Katherine Hepburn and John Wayne.

This came a year after her parents emigrated to the United States. However, after eight years, the family returned to Spain and settled in Catalonia.

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During the journey to Spain, Morera's father died from pulmonary tuberculosis on the transatlantic voyage.

According to The New York Times, Morera was married to a doctor for 40 years in Girona, Spain. The couple shared three children together and later welcomed over a dozen grandchildren.

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Morera went on to reside in a nursing home, Residència Santa María del Tura in Olot, Spain for over 20 years.

Her daughter would often help her post photos and words of wisdom on X.

"Life is not eternal for anyone," she wrote in January 2023. "At my age, a new year is a gift, a humble celebration, a new adventure, a beautiful journey, a moment of happiness. Let's enjoy life together."