Kirstie Alley is dead after battling cancer. She was 71.
The Cheers actress‘ death was confirmed on Monday, December 5, by her two children, William True Stevenson, 30, and Lillie Stevenson, 28.
“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 shared in a letter via Alley’s Instagram on Monday evening. “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. As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother.”
The went on to thank her medical caregivers. “We are grateful to the incredible team of doctors and nurses at the Moffitt Cancer Center for their care,” they said.
The siblings continued: “Our 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 concluded by asking that fans “respect our privacy at this difficult time.”
Alley is survived by grandson Waylon, 6, as well as her two children, who she shared with ex-husband Parker Stevenson. The two were married from 1983 to 1997. Alley had one prior marriage to high school sweetheart Bob Alley, which lasted from 1970 to 1977.
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