Kirstie Alley has died at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer

Kirstie Alley has died at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer.

The Look Who's Talking and Cheers actor's children have confirmed the tragic news in a heartbreaking statement.

True and Lillie Parker said: "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.

"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."

John Travolta has penned a tribute to his longtime pal.

The two starred in Look Who's Talking and the two sequels.

"Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I've ever had," Travola said. "I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again."

Alley became a household name in the mid-'80s when she first appeared as Rebecca Howe on the iconic sitcom Cheers.

She earned a Golden Globe in 1991 for Best Actress and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress for the role.

Her next Emmy came in 1994 when she starred as Sally Goodson in David’s Mother.

In her latter years, she had her own reality show called Kirstie Alley’s Big Life and she also appeared on the US version of Dancing with the Stars in 2011.