Kirstie Alley, star of Cheers and Look Who's Talking, dies aged 71

Cheers and Look Who's Talking actress Kirstie Alley has died at the age of 71.

Alley's children, True and Lillie Parker, announced the actress had died after a short battle with cancer. The news was first confirmed on the star's Instagram account today.

"To all our friends, far and wide around the world… We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered," the statement from True and Lillie read.

READ MORE: John Travolta, Tim Allen, and more stars pay tribute to Kirstie Alley

"She was surrounded by her closest family and fought with great strength, leaving us with a certainty of her never-ending joy of living and whatever adventures lie ahead. As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother.

"We are grateful to the incredible team of doctors and nurses at the Moffitt Cancer Center for their care. 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.

"We thank you for your love and prayers and ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time. With love always, True and Lillie Parker."

John Travolta, her co-star from the '90s family film series Look Who's Talking, has already shared a tribute.

"Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I've ever had. I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again," he wrote, sharing a photo of Alley, and a photo of the pair of them together.

Tim Allen, who co-starred with Alley in the 1997 film For Richer Or Poorer, has also shared a tribute.

"A sweet soul pass on in Kristie Alley. Sad, sad news. Prayers for all her family," he tweeted.

Alley shot to fame in the late '80s for her memorable role as Rebecca Howe in Cheers.

For that breakout role, Alley received an Emmy and a Golden Globe in 1991, taking home the Emmy for outstanding lead actress and the Golden Globe for best actress.

In 1994, Alley earned another Emmy for her portrayal of Sally Goodson in David's Mother.

As well as Cheers and Look Who's Talking, Alley appeared in a series of television shows, including Veronica's Closet, Fat Actress, and most recently, Scream Queens.

In film, Alley appeared in Drop Dead Gorgeous, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and It Takes Two.

Alley also had her own short-running reality TV show in 2010 titled Kirstie Alley's Big Life. She famously competed on Dancing With the Stars in 2011 with instructor Maksim Chmerkovskiy.

Alley was married twice, first to Bob Alley from 1970 to 1977, and then to Baywatch star Parker Stevenson in 1983, who is also the father of her now-adult children. Stevenson and Alley separated in 1997.