:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/kirstie-alley-dies-20050615_09-b191dad23e0e443488d39ad92d37fd8c.jpg "Kirstie Alley, Emmy-Winning Star of ‘Cheers’ and ‘Veronica’s Closet,’ Dies at 71; Cause of Death Identified as Colon Cancer")
Kirstie Alley, the acclaimed actor known for her memorable roles on television and in film, died on December 5, 2022, at the age of 71. Her passing was announced by her children, who stated that the cause of death was colon cancer.
The announcement was made via a statement posted to Ms. Alley’s social media accounts, including Twitter and Instagram. Her children, True and Lillie Parker, shared the somber news, informing the public that their mother had passed away following a battle with cancer that they described as having been “only recently discovered.”
In their statement, True and Lillie Parker offered a heartfelt tribute to their mother. They wrote, in part, “We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered.” They emphasized the strength with which she faced the illness, noting that she “fought with great strength, leaving us with a certainty of her never-ending joy of living and whatever adventures lie ahead.”
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.”
This detail indicates that Ms. Alley was seeking treatment at the Moffitt Cancer Center, located in Tampa, Florida, at the time of her death. The statement from her children further reflected on her vibrant spirit and influence, saying, “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.” The family also requested privacy during this difficult period.
Ms. Alley, a native of Kansas, had relocated to Florida in 2000. Public records note that her children, Lillie Price Stevenson and William True Stevenson, were adopted during her marriage to her ex-husband, Parker Stevenson. This occurred after she experienced a miscarriage in 1994.
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.
Moreover, the CDC identifies colorectal cancer as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths nationally. Among cancers that affect both sexes, it is the second leading cancer killer in the United States. However, public health organizations emphasize that this does not have to be the case.
The CDC highlights the importance of colorectal cancer screening as a life-saving measure. Screening tests have the capability to detect precancerous polyps – abnormal growths within the colon or rectum – which can be removed before they develop into cancer. Additionally, screening aids in the early detection of colorectal cancer, a stage at which treatment is most effective.
The potential impact of early detection is substantial; the CDC reports that approximately nine out of every ten individuals whose colorectal cancers are identified early and treated appropriately are still alive five years later. Based on current guidelines, the CDC recommends that individuals aged 45 and older undergo screening for colorectal cancer.
Research into colorectal cancer is ongoing, with scientists actively investigating its causes and potential prevention strategies. Efforts are also focused on improving early detection methods. According to the American Cancer Society, researchers are seeking enhanced ways to identify colorectal cancer early by studying new types of screening tests, such as blood tests, and working to refine existing methods.
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.
Prior to her death, Kirstie Alley had a long and varied career in the entertainment industry. She achieved widespread recognition for her role as Rebecca Howe in the popular NBC sitcom “Cheers.” Appearing on the show from the late 1980s into the early 1990s, particularly during NBC’s celebrated ‘must-see TV’ lineup on Thursday nights, her portrayal earned her significant acclaim.
