Kirstie Alley died after battling cancer, aged 71 (Picture: Getty)
Kirstie Alley had colon cancer before her death at 71, it has been claimed.
The Cheers actress’ children revealed the sad news of her death on Monday evening, in a heartbreaking statement.
Her rep has now told People Magazine that she was battling colon cancer prior to this, but shared no other details on her condition.
Alley’s loved ones, son William ‘True’ Stevenson and daughter Lillie Price Stevenson confirmed their loss in a lengthy tribute, describing their mother as ‘fierce and loving’.
‘To all our friends, far and wide around the world….,’ it began. ‘We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered.
‘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.
The actress’ children confirmed the news of her death (Picture: Reuters)
‘As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother.’
‘We are grateful to the incredible team of doctors and nurses at the Moffitt Cancer Center for their care,’ they 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.
‘We thank you for your love and prayers and ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time.
She was most known for her stint in sitcom Cheers (Picture: NBC)
She also starred in the hugely popular Look Who’s Talking franchise (Picture: Rex)
‘With love always, True and Lillie Parker.’
Tributes have flooded in on social media as former co-stars and friends shared their fondest memories of the late actress.
Kelsey Grammer, who played the psychiatrist Frasier Crane alongside Alley in Cheers, simply told PA: ‘I always believed grief for a public figure is a private matter, but I will say I loved her.’
John Travolta, who starred with Alley in the iconic Look Who’s Talking franchise, said his time with the actress represented ‘one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had’.
Taking to Instagram, he penned: ‘Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had.
‘I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again.’
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Jamie Lee Curtis shared a picture of them on the Scream Queens set together, adding: ‘I’ve just heard the sad news that Kirstie Alley has died.
‘She was a great comic foil in Scream Queens and a beautiful mama bear in her very real life. She helped me buy onesies for my family that year for Christmas.
‘We agreed to disagree about some things but had a mutual respect and connection. Sad news.’
Metro.co.uk has contacted reps for Kirstie for a comment.
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Stars paid tribute on social media.
