Kirstie Alley dies aged 71: 'Fought with great strength'

Kirstie Alley, the star of Cheers and Drop Dead Gorgeous, has died at the age of 71, her children have confirmed. True and Lillie Parker shared the news in a statement on their mother's social media accounts, sharing that the star died following a short battle with 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. "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."

They continued, "We are grateful to the incredible team of doctors and nurses at the Moffitt Cancer Centre for their care. 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.

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"We thank you for your love and prayers and ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time."

On Tuesday, Kirstie's representatives told People that the star was suffering from colon cancer leading up to her death.

Kirstie's friend Look Who's Talking Now co-star John Travolta shared a tribute to Instagram, saying, "Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I've ever had. I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again."

Kirstie appeared on television shows, including Veronica's Closet, Fat Actress, Kirstie and Scream Queens. She also had her own reality show called Kirstie Alley's Big Life, and competed on Dancing With the Stars and The Masked Singer.

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The star rose to fame as Rebecca Howe in Cheers in 1987 and earned a Golden Globe for best actress and an Emmy for outstanding lead actress in 1991. She went on to win a second Emmy in 1994 for her portrayal of Sally Goodson in David's Mother.

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