Kirstie Alley dead at 71: Cheers star's heartbroken children announce the actress has passed away

Actress Kirstie Alley has died at the age of 71 following a short cancer battle.

The children of the actress, True, 30, and Lily, 28, – who was known for her roles on Cheers and in the Look Who’s Talking films – issued a statement on social media Monday confirming the sad news. 

Alley’s family said that 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 latest: Actress Kirstie Alley has died at the age of 71 following a short cancer battle, her family said on Monday. She was pictured in 2016 in NYC

Read Related Also: Bam Margera Now On The Mend After Grueling Bout Of Pneumonia

The star’s family issued a statement on Instagram Monday in the wake of the passing 

They continued: ‘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.’

Alley’s relatives said that ‘the 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 ended the statement in saying, ‘We thank you for your love and prayers and ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time.’