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TV star Kirstie Alley died in Florida after getting treatment from Tampa hospital

Beloved “Cheers” star Kirstie Alley waged a private, brief battle with cancer in Florida, it was revealed.

Alley’s children announced the actress’ death at the age of 71 on Monday. Some reports said Alley had breast cancer. But People magazine is now reporting that the cause was colon cancer, as confirmed by Alley’s rep on Tuesday.

In their announcement about their “incredible, fierce and loving mother,” her two kids thanked the folks at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, near Alley’s Clearwater home. The “Cheers” legend bought the waterfront mansion from Lisa Marie Presley for $1.5 million in 2000.

The longtime Scientologist’s children (with ex-husband Parker Stevenson) said that Alley had “only recently discovered” she had the disease that affected an estimated 106,180 people in 2022, according to the American Cancer Society.

It’s unclear what type of treatment Alley received and for how long she was under the care of Moffitt, “Florida’s top choice aiming to achieve the best outcome for each patient,” says the hospital.

Colon cancer is one of the more preventable types due to more advanced screenings and tests. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a colonoscopy performed every 10 years for adults starting at age 45 is recommended.

For those with family history of the illness, doctors ask that this test be done starting at age 40 or 10 years before the age that the close relative was diagnosed.

The “Veronica’s Closet” star’s family history is unclear. What is clear is how much the “Dancing with the Stars” alum will be missed.

“She was surrounded by her closest family and fought with great strength, leaving us with a certainty of her neverending joy of living and whatever adventures lie ahead,” said her family’s statement. “As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother.”