Kirstie Alley’s Divorce Turned into ‘an Ugly Process’ Even Though There Was ‘No Infidelity’ in Their Marriage

Kirstie Alley was once married to actor Parker Stevenson, but their union ended with a messy divorce. Unfortunately, they didn't remain friends until her demise but still talked about their children.

Kirstie Alley was a woman any boy dreamed of dating, and some are lucky enough to have even crossed paths with the Hollywood actress. Unfortunately, Alley didn't have much luck in relationships as her two marriages ended in divorce.

The actress first married Bob Alley in 1970 and had a union that only lasted seven years. In 1983, she met her second husband, Parker Stevenson. Here's a glimpse into the actress' life with Stevenson.

The Start of Their Romance

Alley and Stevenson met by chance in a Los Angeles restaurant. At that time, Stevenson already had several credits to his name, having started his career in 1972, four years before graduating from Princeton and leaving his job as an architect.

Meanwhile, Alley was just about to make her film debut in "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan." It didn't take long before the pair dated and fell in love with each other. According to Stevenson, "In any social situation, Kirstie light up the room." He added:

"I just tend to be in the room. Whether it was politics or diets or cars or music, we had such different opinions on everything."

It seemed that they were opposites, from food preferences to taste in music, and even when it came to vices and principles. Still, both believed that they were perfect for each other and, with their differences, wouldn't get bored with each other.

Alley didn't walk down the aisle again but previously revealed that she would have married her "Look Who's Talkin'" co-star, John Travolta, had she not been wed at that time.

Stevenson's friend, Lewis Smith, attested the beautiful beginning of the couple's life together. "They teased and challenged each other," he said. Once, they randomly jumped in a pool fully clothed just because they wanted to.

Their Differences Pulled Them Apart

However, their differences soon got the best of them. When the couple adopted William in 1992, and Lillie in 1994, following a miscarriage, their marriage was already falling apart. They lived lavishly with their kids and spent thousands of dollars on parties and hours-long shopping.

Still, no amount of money could resolve their problems. In 1996, after 14 years of marriage, the couple separated and filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. According to the "Drop Dead Gorgeous" star, as told by Closer Weekly:

"There was no infidelity in my marriage, on either side. There was nothing other than maybe different goals in life."

Stevenson had similar thoughts and previously said, "Kirstie and I are exact opposites. That's what made it so interesting, [but being opposites] makes for not a good marriage." As such, their divorce became an "ugly process" that left them, at the very least, civil.

The divorce proceedings and negotiations over child custody and support, among others, lasted for over a year. Stevenson hid from the world during this time and did not answer his friends' phone calls. Smith recalled:

"He has allowed people to write silly and downright wrong things about him in the media because he doesn't feel the need to address that."

Moving Forward

Although Stevenson was declined the $75,000 a month he demanded, he was given a share of their assets, including their 21-bedroom mansion. Stevenson also revealed at that moment that he and his ex-wife were no longer friends but regularly speak about the children.

In 1997, Stevenson wished Alley the best and revealed that his subsequent marriage, if any, would be with someone he shared the same dreams and goals. He said:

"I would like Kirstie to be wonderfully happy because that's good for the kids [...]. If I get married again, it will be with someone who has the same dreams and aspirations as me, and so you go on."

Alley’s Relationship with John Travolta

Alley didn't walk down the aisle again but previously revealed that she would have married her "Look Who's Talkin'" co-star, John Travolta, had she not been wed at that time. She even noted that their wedding would have been on an airplane.

The two stars spent several months together shooting for a film at that time. Naturally, they got closer. "It's very easy to fall in love with your leading man," she admitted. Travolta married Kelly Preston in 1991, but the pair remained good friends.

Travolta even gave Alley's daughter, Lillie, a shoulder to cry on when her fiance tragically died in a motorcycle accident. The "Grease" star attended the outdoor memorial service under the Church of Scientology.

Life as a Grandmother

At 65, Alley became a first-time grandmother when her son welcomed a baby boy, Waylon Tripp Parker. Alley shared the wonderful moment with over a million fans alongside a photo of William and Waylon.

William married his high school sweetheart at the young age of 17 with Alley's blessing. The actress felt optimistic about the couple's relationship as they were utterly in love. Sadly, Kirstie Alley died on December 5, 2022.

There have been other teenage couples who tied the knot early because of unforeseen circumstances. Among them are Sergio Soto and Isabella Cristobal, who got married after learning of the boy's terminal sickness.

Soto, then 15, was diagnosed with leukemia and exhausted all resources to get better, but cancer eventually returned and his condition worsened. Both their parents supported the marriage and tried to make the celebration as happy as possible.