Sitcom veteran Kirstie Alley passed away from cancer on December 5, 2022. Her children, William and Lillie Parker, released a heartfelt statement confirming the passing of the 71-year-old. The actress’s cancer battle became known shortly before her death, and despite a courageous fight, she peacefully passed away surrounded by her closest family.
Kirstie Alley rose to fame through the iconic TV series “Cheers,” where she portrayed the character Rebecca Howe. Her children, William and Lillie, fondly remember their mother’s fierce acting and loving character. Kirstie’s remarkable role in “Cheers” earned her a Gold Globe nomination and an Emmy award. She further showcased her talent as the lead character in the sitcom “Veronica’s Closet,” which ran from 1997 to 2000.
— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) December 6, 2022
January 13, 2024, marked what would have been Kirstie Alley’s 73rd birthday, a poignant moment for her loved ones as they remembered the legendary actress.
Kirstie Alley’s personal life included two marriages. Her first marriage was to her high school sweetheart, Bob Alley, in 1970, which ended in divorce in 1977. Later, she tied the knot with Parker Stevenson in 1983, and the couple adopted two children together, William and Lillie. Despite her public profile, Kirstie kept her children out of the limelight, emphasizing her commitment to their privacy.
Close friends, like Kathy Najimy, described Kirstie as a fun and proud mother. Kathy shared anecdotes of Kirstie’s playful parenting, showcasing the actress’s vibrant and loving approach to family life. In 2016, Kirstie became a grandmother when her son, William, welcomed his first child, Waylon, with his wife, Sarah Parker. Kirstie, expressing her joy on Twitter, celebrated this new chapter in her life.
In 2021, Kirstie welcomed two more grandchildren, one from her daughter Lillie. Although the family kept the child’s name private, Kirstie assured fans that the grandchildren were “super cute.” Kirstie’s children remember her as a passionate, zestful, and life-loving individual who imparted valuable lessons.
Apart from her dedication to family, Kirstie was also an animal lover. She lived in a charming six-bedroom and seven-bathroom house, which she sold for $7.8 million. The house featured unique details like hand-painted murals, gilded molding, and a cozy interior inspired by Kirstie’s love for comfort. Her passion for animals was evident in the presence of rail-tailed lemurs, cats, squirrels, and birds in her home.
My Baby boo pic.twitter.com/kNRa15pugB
— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) April 3, 2022
Kirstie’s final home was in Clearwater, Florida, where she had resided for over two decades. She bought the property from singer Lisa Marie Presley for $1.5 million. The house, listed for $6 million in February 2023, became available for sale after Kirstie’s passing.
After her death, Kirstie’s children organized a sale of her personal belongings. The sale aimed to share some of Kirstie’s unique and fun collections, reflecting her love for decorating. Kirstie’s house had famous neighbors, including Jim Parsons, Rob Pattinson, Noah Wylie, and Tim Curry.
Remodel under way… escape to lemuria.. the view from my guesthouse this weekend pic.twitter.com/gZ3TN6ivvJ
— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) April 13, 2021
Putting up lights and watching The Crown.. pretty good stuff pic.twitter.com/Eag0QUtseu
— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) November 25, 2020
We have room and well many rooms ..come on over for the winter and hang out with these guys https://t.co/Pd7Vul2W7u pic.twitter.com/XlaJ9FoGRp
— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) July 31, 2021
This is Autumn in lemur land pic.twitter.com/A7i3uWKnrA
— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) October 24, 2021
BILLY pic.twitter.com/mTyf7kO24f
— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) March 31, 2022
Birdie 🙂 pic.twitter.com/shs1UJv7yV
— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) February 8, 2021
Here’s a pic of my stray cat.. calling her a her but hell it could be a him.. either way I like it! What should I name him/her ? pic.twitter.com/2KclOyCRca
— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) November 4, 2020
Birdie Watching TV with me 🐿 pic.twitter.com/jaPp4LFKpG
— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) March 4, 2021
In remembering Kirstie Alley, her friends and family mourn the significant loss of a woman with a big heart, a love for creativity, and a deep passion for animals. Kirstie fought a brave battle, leaving behind a legacy that extends beyond her prolific acting career.