Tributes have been pouring in for "Cheers" actress Kirstie Alley, who died at the age of 71 after a private battle with cancer.
Alley's death was announced Monday night on her Twitter account. Her children, True and Lillie Parker, wrote that their mother's cancer was only recently discovered. It's not clear what type of cancer Alley was fighting.
"As iconic as she was onscreen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother," the tweet read. "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."
Alley was best known for her role as Rebecca Howe in the NBC sitcom "Cheers," for which she received an Emmy Award and Golden Globe in 1991. She was also known for starring alongside John Travolta in the "Look Who's Talking" films, and playing Veronica Chase in the late 90s sitcom "Veronica's Closet."
Travolta posted a tribute to Alley on Instagram, writing: "Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had. I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again."
Alley's "Cheers" castmates were also among the first to react to her death.
Kelsey Grammar, who played Frasier Crane, said in a statement to CBS News: "I always believed grief for a public figure is a private matter, but I will say I loved her."
Rhea Perlman, who played Carla Tortelli, told CBS Alley was "a unique and wonderful person and friend."
"Her joy of being was boundless. We became friends almost instantly when she joined the cast of 'Cheers,'" Perlman said. "I've never met anyone remotely like her. I feel so thankful to have known her. I'm going to miss her very, very much."
Ted Danson, who played Sam Malone, called Alley "truly brilliant."
Her ability to play a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown was both moving and hysterically funny," he said in a statement to Deadline. "I am so sad and so grateful for all the times she made me laugh. I send my love to her children. As they well know, their mother had a heart of gold. I will miss her."
Tim Allen, who starred with Alley in the 1997 film "For Richer or Poorer," called her a "sweet soul."
"Sad, sad news. Prayers for all her family," Allen wrote on Twitter.
Jamie Lee Curtis, who starred with Alley in the Fox TV series "Scream Queens," called her "a beautiful mama bear in her very real life."
"She helped me buy onesies for my family that year for Christmas," Curtis wrote on Instagram. "We agreed to disagree about some things but had a mutual respect and connection. Sad news."
Kristen Chenoweth, who starred with Alley on the 2013 sitcom "Kirstie," said she was "completely devastated."
"I love you, Kirstie. I will see you again someday. I can't believe you're gone," she tweeted.
Carmen Electra, who starred with Alley in the 2005 Showtime series "Fat Actress," shared a series of photos on Instagram.
"#rip to this kind, beautifully talented soul. we love you Kirstie," she wrote.
Actor Parker Stevenson, who was married to Alley from 1983 until 1997 and with whom she adopted her two children, shared a note he wrote to her.
"Dear Kirstie, 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," he wrote on Instagram.
The Church of Scientology, which Alley often defended and credited with helping her defeat a cocaine addiction, called her "a beloved member" and said she will be missed.
"Kirstie was known the world over for her generosity, charisma and irresistible sense of humor," it said in a statement to NBC News.
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