New details surrounding the death of beloved actress Kirstie Alley have been made public following the release of her death certificate. The actress, known for her roles in Cheers and the Look Who’s Talking film series, passed away at her Clearwater, Florida estate. According to her death certificate, Kirstie Alley was battling colon cancer at the time of her passing. She had been receiving treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. After her death, Alley was cremated.
The Cancer Diagnosis and Uncertainty
While the news of Kirstie Alley’s death initially shocked many, new information has emerged confirming that she had been diagnosed with colon cancer. However, the exact timeline of her diagnosis remains unclear. Kirstie had made a public appearance earlier this year as a participant on Fox’s The Masked Singer, which raises questions about whether she was already battling cancer at the time. The public has yet to learn whether her diagnosis affected her performance on the show.
Tributes from Close Friends and Colleagues
As the news of Kirstie Alley’s death continues to spread, several of her famous friends and colleagues have paid tribute to her. John Travolta, who shared a deep, lifelong friendship with Alley, shared his sorrow. Kirstie Alley had once referred to Travolta as her “biggest love,” though the two were never romantically involved. Their friendship began in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when they starred together in the Look Who’s Talking films. In Celebrity Big Brother U.K., Kirstie confessed that if circumstances had been different, she might have married Travolta, even revealing a desire to fly with him in his private plane. The bond they shared was undeniably strong, and Travolta’s tribute reflected this deep affection.
Ted Danson’s Emotional Reflection
Ted Danson, another of Kirstie Alley’s close colleagues from Cheers, also shared a heartfelt message about his friend. In an exclusive statement to People, Danson revealed that he had been watching an old episode of Cheers when he learned of Alley’s death. The episode, in which Danson’s character proposed to Alley’s, was a moment he cherished deeply. Danson recalled how Alley’s performance in the scene, where her character struggled with a nervous breakdown while still wanting to say yes, was both hilarious and poignant. “I found out Kirstie had died as I stepped off the plane. I’m both sad and thankful for the times she made me laugh,” Danson said. His message emphasized the deep bond they had, and he sent his heartfelt condolences to her family.
A Final Tribute from Kirstie Alley’s Family
Kirstie Alley’s family shared an emotional statement following her death, expressing their sorrow and admiration for her spirit. “We are heartbroken to inform you that our beautiful, feisty, and loving mother has passed away following a struggle with cancer that was only recently found,” the family wrote. They described how she was surrounded by her loved ones in her final moments and fought valiantly. The message emphasized Kirstie’s joy of life and her adventurous spirit, which left an enduring impact on those who knew her. The family also acknowledged the care provided by the Moffitt Cancer Center’s team of doctors and nurses.
Her family concluded the statement by reflecting on her iconic status in the television world and highlighting her even greater role as a mother and grandmother. “Our mother’s fire and passion for life, her children, grandchildren, and numerous animals, not to mention her unending joy of creating, were unsurpassed,” they wrote. They also expressed gratitude for the support from fans and requested privacy during this difficult time.
This tribute encapsulates the lasting legacy Kirstie Alley leaves behind, not just as an actress but as a loving mother, grandmother, and friend.
