Kirstie Alley, the actress who starred in Cheers and Drop Dead Gorgeous, has died. She was 71 years old.
True and Lillie Parker, Alley’s children, announced her death from cancer.
“We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered,” they said in a statement.
“She was surrounded by her closest family and fought with great strength, leaving us with a certainty of her never-ending joy of living and whatever adventures lie ahead,” they continued. “As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother.”
The siblings remembered their mother’s “zest and passion for life, her children, grandchildren and her many animals, not to mention her eternal joy of creating, were unparalleled and leave us inspired to live life to the fullest just as she did.”
They also praised the Moffitt Cancer Center’s “incredible team of doctors and nurses.”
True and Lillie end the message by thanking Alley’s admirers, saying, “We thank you for your love and prayers and ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time.”
Following the announcement, Alley’s former costar and friend John Travolta paid homage to her on social media.
“Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had. I love you Kirstie,” he shared alongside a snap of the late star. “I know we will see each other again.”
On Twitter, Valerie Bertinelli expressed her sympathies, saying, “Oh Kirstie, Rest in Peace.”
Alley rose to prominence in 1987 as Rebecca Howe on NBC’s Cheers.
In 1991, she won a Golden Globe for best actress and an Emmy for outstanding lead actress for her performance in the Boston-based series.
In 1994, she won her second Emmy for her performance as Sally Goodson in David’s Mother.
Her life was documented on the A&E reality television series Kirstie Alley’s Big Life in 2010.
In 2011, she appeared on season 12 of Dancing with the Stars, and in 2022, she competed on season 7 of The Masked Singer.
Alley has faced criticism in recent years from individuals who believe she made provocative political remarks, notably concerning the Jan. 6, 2001, insurgency and the crisis in Ukraine.