The world of entertainment paused with heavy hearts upon hearing the deeply sad news of Kirstie Alley’s passing. An actress beloved for her vibrant energy and comedic timing, particularly her iconic role in “Cheers,” Kirstie died at the age of 71. The announcement came on a Monday, shared by her children, True and Lillie Parker, on their mother’s official social media, revealing the difficult circumstances surrounding her death.
Her children’s statement shared that their incredible, fierce, and loving mother had passed away after a battle with cancer. This diagnosis, they explained, had only recently been discovered, making the news all the more shocking for many. The statement conveyed that Kirstie was surrounded by her closest friends and family in her final moments, fighting with great strength. It’s a poignant image, picturing her surrounded by love and support as she faced this unexpected challenge.
Adding a layer of detail to the initial announcement, it was reported the following day, on Tuesday, that Kirstie had been quietly battling colon cancer. This specific information, shared by her representative, shed more light on the nature of the illness that claimed her life far too soon. The family also expressed their gratitude to the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, specifically mentioning the incredible team of doctors and nurses there for the end-of-life care they provided. This detail underscores the difficult journey she and her family navigated in her final days.
The statement from True, 30, and Lillie, 28, painted a beautiful picture of their mother beyond her public persona. They emphasized that “As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother.” This testament speaks volumes about the person she was in her private life, highlighting the profound impact she had on her family. It’s a reminder that behind the dazzling performances and public recognition was a woman whose greatest role, in her children’s eyes, was as a loving parent and grandparent.
Their words continued to express the essence of her spirit. “Her 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,” True and Lillie wrote. This description evokes a vivid image of Kirstie’s vibrant personality and her deep love for the world around her, from her family to her beloved animals and her creative pursuits. It’s a legacy of joy and inspiration that her children clearly cherish and intend to carry forward. They concluded their public message by thanking people for their love and prayers while respectfully requesting privacy during their difficult time of grief.
Amidst the wave of tributes that began pouring in from colleagues and friends across Hollywood, a particularly touching message came from someone who shared a significant part of her life: her ex-husband, fellow actor Parker Stevenson. Parker, known for his roles in shows like “The Hardy Boys” and “Baywatch,” took to Instagram to share his personal grief and gratitude. His message offered a window into the enduring bond forged through years together and, most importantly, through their children.
Alongside an old, warm photograph of them together, Parker Stevenson penned a heartfelt note addressed directly to Kirstie. “Dear Kirstie,” he wrote, his words carrying the weight of shared history. “I am so grateful for our years together, and for the two incredibly beautiful children and now grandchildren that we have. You will be missed. With love, Parker.” It’s a simple yet powerful message, reflecting immense gratitude for the time they shared and the family they built, acknowledging the irreplaceable void her absence leaves.
Parker Stevenson, whose full name is Richard Stevenson Parker Jr., was born in Philadelphia in 1952, the same year as Kirstie. His own journey into acting began early, though initially, he didn’t intend to pursue it professionally. He studied architecture at Princeton University before moving to Hollywood. He gained significant recognition starring alongside Shaun Cassidy in “The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries” series in the late 1970s, becoming a well-known face to a generation of viewers. Later, he was part of the original cast of “Baywatch” in 1989, returning for syndicated seasons in the late 90s. His career spanned numerous television shows and films, establishing him as a familiar presence in the entertainment world.
Kirstie Alley and Parker Stevenson’s love story began, leading to their marriage on December 22, 1983. Their relationship was a notable one in Hollywood, connecting two popular actors. They even had the opportunity to work together on screen. In 1986, they co-starred in the television miniseries “North and South: Book II.” Interestingly, in the miniseries, they portrayed siblings, Billy and Virgilia Hazard, adding a unique chapter to their shared professional and personal lives.
Their family grew through adoption, a path they pursued after Kirstie experienced a pregnancy loss. They welcomed their son, William “True,” in 1992, and their daughter, Lillie, in 1995. Kirstie often spoke with deep affection about their children. Famously, in her 1991 Emmy speech when she won for her role as Rebecca Howe on “Cheers,” she gave a memorable shout-out to Parker, thanking him for being “the man who has given me the big one for the last eight years.” This public acknowledgment, delivered with her characteristic humor and warmth, offered a glimpse into the strength of their bond at that time, celebrating their life together and shared successes.
Their marriage lasted until 1997, at which point they divorced. While reports from the time described a bitter split, Parker’s recent tribute underscores the enduring connection they maintained, centered around their children. Despite the end of their marriage, their roles as parents, and later grandparents, ensured a continued thread of family connection. The fact that they were grandparents together is a detail mentioned in the context, adding another layer to the family structure that remained important to both of them. Parker Stevenson has since remarried, tying the knot with celebrity chef Lisa Schoen in 2018, but his tribute to Kirstie clearly demonstrates that the family they created together remained a central and valued part of his life.
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The photo Parker chose to share alongside his message speaks volumes. It’s a candid, happy image of them together from years past, a visual reminder of the history and good times they shared. This choice of a throwback photo resonates with the sentiment of his words, looking back gratefully on their time together.
Responses to Parker Stevenson’s Instagram post further highlighted the shared grief among those who knew them. Comedian Kevin Nealon, for instance, commented on the post, expressing his condolences directly to Parker: “Very sorry, Parker. Thinking of you and your family.🙏🏼” These messages from friends and colleagues in their circle reflect the impact Kirstie had not just on her immediate family but on a wider community of people who shared their lives and careers.
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The collective message from her children and ex-husband paints a picture of a woman deeply loved and fiercely devoted to her family. True and Lillie’s description of their mother as “fierce and loving,” full of “zest and passion,” resonates strongly. It’s clear that her presence in their lives was a powerful and positive force, leaving them with a profound sense of loss but also a vibrant legacy to live up to.
