Family: Wichitan, actress Kirstie Alley dies at 71

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - Famous Wichitan Kirstie Alley, known for her decades-long acting career and presence in her community has died at the age of 71, her family confirms on social media. Her children, True and Lillie Parker issued a statement that said Alley died “after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered.” The statement said close friends and family surrounded her in her final moments.

“As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother,” her children’s statement said.

Alley, a two-time Emmy winner, starred as Rebecca Howe on the NBC sitcom “Cheers” from 1987 to 1993, after the departure of original star Shelley Long.

She had her own sitcom on the network, “Veronica’s Closet,” from 1997 to 2000. In recent years, she appeared on several reality shows, including “Dancing With the Stars,” “Celebrity Big Brother,” and a show about her life.

Alley graduated from Wichita Southeast High School, Alley attended Kansas State University before moving to Los Angeles to launch her acting career.

John Travolta, who starred with Alley in three “Look Who’s Talking” films, was among the stars who paid tribute to her online.