Much Loved Kirstie Alley Succumbs To Cancer At 71
Hollywood actress Kirstie Alley died last Monday at the age of 71. Her children, 30-year-old William True and 28-year-old Lillie Price, officially announced the news.
The siblings released news of their mother’s death through a statement and revealed that the reason for her passing was cancer, which Kirstie and her family only recently discovered. The bereaved children took comfort in the fact that their mother fought bravely and that, at her death, her family and loved ones surrounded her.
The statement also stated that Kirstie had made a name for herself as an actress, but as a mother and a grandmother, she was an even bigger and better person. The siblings also took the chance to express their gratitude to the medical team of Moffitt Cancer Center for all the assistance and care they extended to their mother.
It’s been a while since Kirstie was in the public eye—she was last seen promoting her Cameo profile on her Instagram in September. And if that appearance was the basis of her health, anybody would say that she was okay, as she did not show any visible signs of being ill— much less having an ongoing battle with cancer.
In what appeared to be Kirstie’s final video, she still sported her signature thick blonde hair and winning personality.
Kirstie’s children, in their statement, mentioned that her “zest and passion for life, her children, grandchildren, and many animals, not to say her eternal joy of creating, were unparalleled and left us inspired to live life to the fullest just as she did.” They ended their statement with words of gratitude for all the prayers and love their family received and wish for privacy as their family copes with the passing.
Words of appreciation and several tributes started pouring in from Hollywood celebrities and previous cast members who had worked with Kirstie. And on the frontline was Kirstie’s confidante and close friend John Travolta.
The actor used his Instagram last Monday to pay tribute to his beloved friend, who he worked with on the Look Who’s Talking movies. The 68-year-old called his relationship with Kirstie special and said they would see one another again.
Kirstie, a native of Wichita, Kansas, lived a full life. She enrolled in Kansas State University, eventually dropping out of her studies and moving to Los Angeles. She then married her high school sweetheart. They were together for seven years. She then married Baywatch alum Parker Stevenson and was with him from 1983 to 1997.
She and Parker were not blessed with their children following her miscarriage and, together, adopted William in 1992 and Lille in 1995. Parker also left his tribute to his ex-wife on his Facebook page, where he expressed how thankful he was for their years together and for paving the way for having two beautiful kids and grandchildren.
Kirstie cemented her name and acting skills in 1987 when she played Rebecca Howe on NBC’s Cheers and won an Emmy in 1991 for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role. Years later, Kirstie had her sitcom, Veronica’s Closet, shown for three years.
The actress founded Organic Liaison, a weight loss company, in 2010 and later made several reality TV show appearances, including Dancing with the Stars Season 12, where she finished second.
