Actress Elizabeth Taylor on Thursday denied media reports that she was planning to marry for the 9th time.
Taylor, 74, is being linked romantically with artist and photographer Firooz Zahedi -- who in the mid-1970s became the star's personal photographer on her film projects.
Responding to what she called stories "regarding my private life and future plans," Taylor described Zahedi as "an old and dear friend."
But she added in a statement: "We are not, have never been and will never be romantically involved. My private life and my plans, at this time remain private."
Taylor, who was treated for congestive heart failure in 2004, went on U.S. television in May to scoff at tabloid claims that she was gravely ill or suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
The violet-eyed actress has been married eight times, twice to British actor Richard Burton. Her last marriage, to building laborer Larry Fortensky, ended in divorce in 1996 after about four years.