Kirstie Alley was diagnosed with colon cancer ahead of her death.
The late actress’ rep revealed the news to People on Tuesday, one day after Alley died at age 71.
“We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered,” the “Cheers” alum’s son, William “True,” and daughter, Lillie, wrote in a lengthy social media statement.
Alley’s adult children noted that their mom “fought with great strength” prior to her death.
“As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother,” 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.
The “Look Who’s Talking” star welcomed her kids while married to Parker Stevenson from 1983 to 1997.
The actor, 70, penned a touching tribute to his ex-wife via Instagram Monday, writing that she “will be missed.”
The “Hardy Boys” alum wrote, “I am so grateful for our years together, and for the two incredibly beautiful children and now grandchildren that we have.”
Before her relationship with Stevenson, Alley was married to her high school sweetheart, Bob Alley, from 1970 to 1977.
Kirstie was an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress with 76 credits to her name.
Most recently, the “It Takes Two” star made headlines for her reality TV roles. Not only did she compete on two seasons of “Dancing With the Stars,” but she was the runner-up on Britain’s “Celebrity Big Brother.”
And in April, the “Kirstie” alum was unmasked as the Baby Mammoth on Season 7 of “Masked Singer.”
