Kirstie Alley, the beloved actress renowned for her unforgettable performances on television and in film, passed away on December 5, 2022, at the age of 71, with her children confirming that colon cancer was the cause of her death.
Her children, True and Lillie Parker, shared the heartbreaking news through a statement on Ms. Alley’s social media, revealing that their mother’s battle with cancer had been “only recently discovered.”
1.In a touching tribute, True and Lillie Parker expressed their sorrow, stating, “We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered,” adding that she “fought with great strength, leaving us with a certainty of her never-ending joy of living and whatever adventures lie ahead.”
2.They also highlighted her role in their lives beyond her public persona, stating, “As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother.” The family expressed gratitude for the medical care she received, specifically acknowledging “the incredible team of doctors and nurses at the Moffitt Cancer Center for their care.”
3.Records suggest Ms. Alley was receiving treatment at Tampa, Florida’s Moffitt Cancer Center at the time of her passing, and her children further illuminated her vibrant spirit, sharing, “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.”
Originally from Kansas, Ms. Alley moved to Florida in 2000, and public records show that her children, Lillie Price Stevenson and William True Stevenson, were adopted during her marriage to ex-husband Parker Stevenson, following a miscarriage in 1994.
4.Years later, in 2016, Ms. Alley shared news of becoming a grandmother. She announced the arrival of her grandson, Waylon Tripp Parker, on social media. She remained active online in her final days, posting on Twitter as recently as Thanksgiving Day in 2022 to send holiday wishes to her followers.
The diagnosis of colon cancer, which was described as having been only recently discovered, brings attention to this significant health issue. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), not counting certain skin cancers, colorectal cancer ranks as the fourth most common cancer affecting both men and women in the United States.
5.Colorectal cancer is unfortunately the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the nation, and it ranks as the second deadliest cancer affecting both men and women in the United States, though public health experts stress that this grim statistic is preventable.
The CDC emphasizes that regular colorectal cancer screenings are crucial for saving lives, as these tests can identify precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum that can be removed before they become cancerous, and also allow for early detection when treatment is most effective.
6.The impact of early detection is profound, with the CDC reporting that around 90% of individuals diagnosed with and treated for early-stage colorectal cancer are alive five years later, and current recommendations advise screening for everyone aged 45 and older.
Ongoing research is dedicated to uncovering the causes of colorectal cancer and developing better prevention strategies, including refining existing screening methods and exploring new approaches like blood tests, according to the American Cancer Society.
7.The American Cancer Society also notes that researchers are endeavoring to determine if a particular test or screening schedule proves definitively superior to others. A concurrent focus is on raising public awareness and encouraging individuals to utilize the routine screening tests currently available and known to be effective in reducing mortality from this disease.
Kirstie Alley enjoyed a long and successful career in entertainment, most notably earning widespread acclaim for her role as Rebecca Howe in the iconic NBC sitcom “Cheers” from the late 1980s to the early 1990s, a period when the show was a cornerstone of NBC’s highly popular ‘must-see TV’ Thursday night lineup.
