(CNN)Muhammad Ali, the iconic three-time world heavyweight boxing champion who died Friday, had recently shunned the public spotlight he once seemed to revere.
His last known appearance was at a Parkinson's fundraiser April 9 in Phoenix, according to the Arizona Republic.
At the annual fundraising event for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute, one of the most recognizable faces on the planet was shielded in part by dark sunglasses, according to a photo posted by the newspaper.
Ali had missed the gala the previous two years, the newspaper reported. On that April night, however, one of the most beloved athletes of all time would receive a final standing ovation.
Ali's last battle
On Monday, the charismatic former boxer became ill with what family spokesman Bob Gunnell described as a respiratory issue.
He was admitted to the HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center in Scottsdale in fair condition that night.
"We expected that to be the case," Gunnell told reporters Saturday. "You know, Muhammad has battled back many times. We expected it to happen this time."
