'Cheers' Star Kirstie Alley Dies At 71; Friends, Co-Stars Pay Tribute

Emmy-winning actress Kirstie Alley has died following a battle with cancer. She was 71 years old.

The actress' children, True and Lilie Parker, announced the news through her social media accounts Monday.

"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," the statement read on her Twitter and Instagram pages read. "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."

Alley is best known for her role as Rebecca Howe in the NBC comedy series "Cheers."

She also starred as the lead character in the comedy series "Veronica's Closet," in the movie "Look Who's Talking" and its sequel "Look Who's Talking Too."

Alley's "Cheers" co-star Kelsey Grammer, in a statement to Deadline, said, "I always believed grief for a public figure is a private matter, but I will say I loved her."

John Travolta, who starred opposite Alley in the "Look Who's Talking" films, took to Instagram to pay tribute to his friend.

"Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I've ever had. I love you, Kirstie. I know we will see each other again," he captioned his post, which included a photo of Alley in a sexy white tube dress and another one showing the actor sharing a light moment with the actress.

Jamie Lee Curtis, who worked with Alley on "Scream Queens," also grieved the actress' death.

"She was a great comic foil in @tvscreamqueens and a beautiful mama bear in her very real life. She helped me buy onesies for my family that year for Christmas. We agreed to disagree about some things but had a mutual respect and connection. Sad news," she wrote on Instagram.

"My heart breaks for Kirstie and her family," actor Josh Gad tweeted.

Yvette Nicole Brown took to Twitter to express her "shock" over the tragic news.