The Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor died on Monday night surrounded by her closest family.
Tributes are being paid for 'Cheers' and 'Look Who's Talking' star Kirstie Alley, who has passed away at the age of 71.
According to a statement released by her family, Alley passed after only very recently discovering a cancer diagnosis. She was being treated at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida.
A statement from her family reads: "To all our friends, far and wide around the world … We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, 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. As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother.
"We are grateful to the incredible team of doctors and nurses at the Moffitt Cancer Center for their care. Our mother's zest and passion for life, her children, grandchildren and her many animals, not to mention for 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."
The statement was signed by Kirstie's children William "True" Stevenson and Lillie Price Stevenson.
Kirstie Alley was a two-time Emmy Award winner, for the TV movie 'David's Mother' and later for her most famous role as Rebecca Howe in the sitcom 'Cheers'. She also won a Golden Globe for her time on the '80s show.
Other prominent roles for the star include 'Look Who's Talking' and the two sequels 'Look Who's Talking Too' and 'Look Who's Talking Now', as well as 'Drop Dead Gorgeous', 'Veronica's Closet', 'Star Trek II', 'Scream Queens' and her own sitcom simply titled 'Kirstie'.
Ted Danson, Kelsey Grammer, John Travolta and more of her former co-stars and fans have been paying tribute to Kirstie Alley online.
Danson, who starred in 'Cheers' with Kirstie, told Deadline: "I was on a plane today and did something I rarely do. I watched an old episode of Cheers. It was the episode where Tom Berenger proposes to Kirstie, who keeps saying no, even though she desperately wants to say yes. Kirstie was truly brilliant in it. Her ability to play a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown was both moving and hysterically funny. She made me laugh 30 years ago when she shot that scene, and she made me laugh today just as hard.
"As I got off the plane, I heard that Kirstie had died. I am so sad and so grateful for all the times she made me laugh. I send my love to her children. As they well know, their mother had a heart of gold. I will miss her."
Grammer told the publication: "I always believed grief for a public figure is a private matter, but I will say I loved her."
Rhea Perlman, who played Carla Tortelli in 'Cheers' said: "Kirstie was a unique and wonderful person and friend. Her joy of being was boundless. We became friends almost instantly when she joined the cast of 'Cheers'.
"She loved kids and my kids loved her too. We had sleepovers at her house, with treasure hunts that she created. She had massive Halloween and Easter parties and invited the entire crew of the show and their families. She wanted everyone to feel included. She loved her children deeply. I’ve never met anyone remotely like her.
"I feel so thankful to have known her. I’m going to miss her very, very much."
