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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Charlotte Everett

Kirstie Alley died from 'brief battle' with 'silent killer' colon cancer, agent confirms

Kirstie Alley died from a 'brief' battle with 'silent killer' colon cancer, a representative for the star has confirmed.

The Cheers actress passed away aged 71 after only 'recently' discovering that she has the disease.

Her family shared a statement where they announced that Kirstie had died.

In a post on social media, her family said: "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."

The statement went on to share the family's gratitude for those who had cared for her in her final days before praising Kirstie's attitude to life.

Kirstie passed away aged 71 (ABC)

"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 her eternal joy of creating, were unparalleled and leave us inspired to live life to the fullest just as she did."

They concluded by sharing their thanks for "your love and prayers".

Colon cancer is often known as a silent killer due to many patients not knowing that they have the disease until it is too late for treatment.

Her representatives on Tuesday told People that she had the disease.

Only a third of patients are diagnosed in stage one when the cancer is 90 percent curable.

Kirstie found fame in Cheers (NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

However it is not known what stage Alley's cancer had progressed to.

John Travolta led the tributes to the actress on social media on Monday night after her family confirmed the news of her death.

He wrote: "Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had. I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again."

Kirstie first rose to fame in 1987 when she took on the role of Rebecca Howe on Cheers.

Her performances led to her winning a Golden Globe for Best Actress as well as an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in 1991.

John Travolta shared a tribute (Getty Images)

She then earned her second Emmy in 1994 for her portrayall of Sally Goodson in David's Mother.

The actress starred on hit TV shows such as Veronica's Closet, Fat Actress, Kirstie and Scream Queens.

In recent years, Kirstie appeared on reality TV shows, competing on season 12 of Dancing With The Stars and The Masked Singer.

In the UK, she also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2020 where she finished in second place behind Ryan Thomas.

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