Inside The Death Of Kirstie Alley

"Cheers" star Kirstie Alley has died at the age of 71, her children announced on social media.

Back in the 1980s and 1990s, Alley came to fame for her roles in sitcoms and feature films. During her career, Alley became most well-known for her role as Rebecca Howe in the sitcom "Cheers" and for her role as Lieutenant Saavik in "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan." While Alley starred in many shows and films, these two helped launch her career and set her towards stardom, per her biography. But while the energetic and outgoing star quickly went on to become a household name in Hollywood, it didn't take long for the star to become a figure of controversy. 

During her career, Alley remained one of the only celebrities who continued to open up to fans about her struggles with addiction and weight on television. While fans appreciated Alley's honesty with the topics, others found it equally polarizing — but that didn't stop Alley. In fact, the star only doubled down on her opinions when it came to politics and health which only embroiled Alley in more controversy.  

Though people didn't always agree with Alley, many are taking to social media to honor Alley following her passing. 

Taking to social media, Kirstie Alley's children announced the "Look Who's Talking" star has died at the age of 71 from cancer.

"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," the children wrote in a statement. "As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother." While the statement didn't include the type of cancer Alley was battling at the time of her death, the children did write that the diagnosis was "only recently discovered." Adding to that, the children thanked the Moffitt Cancer Center for the care their mother received during her cancer treatments. "Our mother's zest and passion for life ... were unparalleled and leave us inspired to live life to the fullest just as she did."

Following the announcement, fans took to social media to honor the star, despite her controversies. "I didn't always agree with her, but I truly loved her as an actress," one fan tweeted. "She had the most beautiful eyes and a laugh that was so contagious!" Echoing a similar thought, another Twitter user shared, "Can't say our beliefs aligned all that much, but she was responsible for creating laughter, which is precious. RIP."

Along with her family and fans, many of Kirstie Alley's colleagues and friends are also left reeling in the wake of her death.

"I always believed grief for a public figure is a private matter, but I will say I loved her," Alley's "Cheers" co-star Kelsey Grammer said in a statement to People. Meanwhile, actor John Travolta penned a somber Instagram post that read, "Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I ever had. I love you, Kirstie I know we will see each other again." Another touching Instagram tribute came from Alley's "It Takes Two" co-star Steve Guttenberg who wrote, "Kirstie met me at her house with a tuna sandwich on my favorite bread. 'Steve, I know all about you and your love of rye bread., eat some tuna.' We were rehearsing 'It Takes Two," he shared along with a throwback photo of the pair filming the 1995 romantic comedy film. "Every day she amazed me with her generosity of the tangible and with her soulfulness. The world is a bit empty without Kirstie," he concluded.

No doubt, Alley will be missed by many in Hollywood.

While it's safe to say that no one is more grief-stricken right now than Kirstie Alley's children and immediate family, her ex-husband, Parker Stevenson, is also mourning an incredible loss.

"Dear Kirstie, I am so grateful for our years together, and for the two incredibly beautiful children and now grandchildren that we have," Stevenson penned in an emotional post on Instagram. "You will be missed. With love, Parker," he wrapped the online tribute along with a photo of the former couple in their heyday.

As you may recall, Stevenson was Kirstie's second husband. Per Hollywood Life, Kirstie first wed her high school love with the same surname, Bob Alley, from 1970 until 1977. Then in 1983, Kirstie tied the knot to Stevenson. The couple went on to adopt two children: William True and Lillie. Sadly, the couple ultimately split in 1997. "Kirstie and I are not friends now, but we talk regularly about the kids," Stevenson once revealed to People following the couple's divorce — a process he referred to as "ugly." He wondered out loud, "Will we be friends someday? I don't know." As it turns out, it appears they did. RIP, Kirstie Alley.