Kirstie Alley, Iconic ‘Cheers’ Star, Dies of Cancer at 71

Kirstie Alley died on Monday after a short battle with cancer. The actress, known for her roles in Cheers and Veronica’s Closet, was 71.

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“As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother,” Alley’s children, True and Lillie Parker, said in a statement announcing their mother’s death posted to Twitter.

Alley was being treated for cancer that was “only recently discovered” at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida.

“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 statement said.

The children thanked the medical team at Moffitt Cancer Center and fans for their thoughts and prayers.

Stars took to social media to offer condolences and pay tribute to Alley.

“Whether you agreed with her or not, Kirstie Alley was an undeniable talent who brought joy to many – through the screen and with her warm, hilarious spirit,” actress Jackee Harry tweeted.

“This is such sad news. A beautiful, brave, funny and beloved woman,” journalist Megyn Kelly tweeted. “Rest in Peace, Kirstie Alley.”

After news of her death broke, John Travolta, Alley’s longtime friend and former co-star in the film Look Who’s Talking, shared a tribute on Instagram.

“Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had,” the actor captioned a post of a photo of Alley in a white dress and pearls paired with another of the two laughing together. “I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again.”

Alley is best known for her 1987 breakout role as Rebecca Howe in Cheers. She earned a Golden Globe and an Emmy for her role in the sitcom in 1991.

During the later years of her career, the star dabbled in reality television. In 2010, Alley chronicled her life and weight loss journey in Kirstie Alley’s Big Life on A&E. She appeared as a contestant in the 12th and 15th seasons of Dancing With the Stars, and in 2018 she placed second in the British version of Celebrity Big Brother.

Alley came under fire in recent years for her statements about the war in Ukraine and her public support of Donald Trump.