Kirstie Alley has died at the age of 71.
As reported by the BBC, the heartbreaking news was announced by Alley's children, True and Lillie Parker, who wrote in a family statement: "We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away."
The star's children added that Alley had died following a battle with cancer that was "only recently discovered".
"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," Alley's children continued. "As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother."
True and Lillie added: "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.
"We thank you for your love and prayers and ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time."
Alley first gained national acclaim when she was cast as Rebecca Howe in the beloved NBC sitcom Cheers in 1987. Four years later, Alley was recognized for her performance after scooping the Golden Globe for best actress and the Emmy for outstanding lead actress.
She appeared in 147 episodes of the Boston-based series, departing the show in 1993.
Alley would also appear as Howe in an episode of Wings.
Other TV credits include Veronica's Closet, Without a Trace, and The King of Queens. She also starred in a number of popular television movies, such as David's Mother, Toothless, and While I Was Gone.
On the big screen, Alley gained international fame starring in movies like 1982's Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and 1987's Summer School.
However, perhaps her most notable role was as mom Mollie in the 1989 comedy Look Who's Talking, in which, she starred alongside John Travolta. She would reprise the role for the movie's 1990 and 1993 sequels.
In more recent years, Alley became the star of her own A&E reality TV series, Kirstie Alley's Big Life, and also made appearances in TV contests like Dancing with the Stars in 2011 The Masked Singer earlier this year.
She is survived by her two children, whom she shared with her ex-husband, Parker Stevenson.
Our thoughts go out to Alley's friends, family, and fans at this time.
