Kirstie Alley Named John Travolta the ‘Greatest Love‘ of Her Life — After Her Death, John Confesses His Love for Her

Kirstie Alley always did what she wanted, never allowing criticism to get to her. But despite falling in love with her co-star, John Travolta, she refused to cross the line and cheat on her husband. Following her sudden death, the actor penned a beautiful tribute confirming their "special" relationship.

Kirstie Alley became internationally acclaimed after taking over Shelley Long's role as Rebecca Howe in "Cheers." Following her success in the NBC series that earned her Emmy and Golden Globe awards, she appeared in another sitcom, "Veronica's Closet."

Even as a lead character in "Veronica's Closet," a show that also earned her Golden Globe nominations, the actress did not experience significant success like her "Cheers" days.

However, Alley had established an impressive career. The focused actress bagged other features in shows and notable films that starred successful actors like John Travolta.

While filming their "Look Who's Talking" films, Alley and Travolta made their onscreen romance believable. In the first installment of the franchise, the duo's characters meet by chance.

A pregnant Mollie, played by Alley, jumps into a taxi driven by James, played by Travolta. Mollie is set to raise her child alone after her baby daddy abandons her, but James saves the day and they fall in love and raise the child together.

While their onscreen chemistry was undeniable, Alley and Travolta shared a close bond offscreen. More than two decades after they had worked as co-stars, Alley admitted to Howard Stern that she was always attracted to Travolta, adding that the feeling was mutual.

Despite their fondness for each other, they did not let it overwhelm them. Travolta married Kelly Preston in 1991, while his onscreen love interest was already married to Parker Stevenson, whom she divorced in 1997.

In the same 2013 interview, the "Cheers" alum admitted that it took so long for her to overcome her passion for Travolta, explaining, "It took me years to not look at John as a romantic interest." And while Alley described Travolta as "the greatest love of my life," she clarified:

"It wasn't a sexual relationship because I'm not going to cheat on my husband."

Five years later, the "Veronica's Closet" star boldly reiterated that she loved Travolta but never thought about breaking her vows to satisfy her desire. However, the actress who claimed she was a "strong believer in fidelity," revealed:

"I think I kissed Travolta; I almost ran off and married John. I did love him; I still love him. If I hadn't been married I would've gone and married him, and I would've been in an airplane because he has his own plane."

Surprisingly, the "Look Who's Talking" stars maintained a flirtatious relationship after Travolta's marriage to Preston until Preston addressed it. Alley admitted that the "Grease" actor's wife confronted her, so she immediately stopped it.

They both led different lives; the actor remained married to his wife until she died in 2020, while Alley, who never remarried, focused on parenting her two kids, a son, True, and a daughter, Lillie.

In the end, Alley was glad they never succumbed to their passion. Although they made different life choices, the "Dancing With the Stars" alum noted that they were alike, and their similarities would have done more harm than good.

Her Sudden Death

Forty years after stealing the hearts of fans with her appearance on "Cheers," Alley, a beloved star on the show, passed away at the age of 71.

The actor admitted they had a unique relationship and in a rare moment, publicly addressed his love for her.

The Emmy winner died on December 5, 2022, after a recent cancer diagnosis. Her manager, Donovan Daughtry, confirmed the tragic news, while her kids shared a statement that read:

"As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother."

Although Alley's death was unexpected, True and Lilie confessed that their mother was brave till the end and that they would carry on her legacy. Details from their announcement also revealed:

"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."

Indeed Alley was a fantastic personality onscreen and in reality. She blessed the world with her incredible talent, and until her death, she was an active performer—finding ways to appeal to fans through acting.

Alley left her memories in the heart of many through her outstanding features, including "Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan," "The Match Game," "Kirstie," "David's Mother," and "Fat Actress."

In "Fat Actress," a 2005 Showtime series, Alley thrilled fans with her humorous performance, portraying a fictionalized version of herself while showing her real-life issues, including the public's criticism of her unstable weight.

John Travolta's Tribute to His Co-Star

Not long after Alley's kids confirmed the death of their mother, her former co-star, Travolta, shared a heart-melting and revealing tribute. The actor admitted they had a unique relationship and in a rare moment, publicly addressed his love for her.

Travolta uploaded two throwback photos from the "Look Who's Talking" series, the first showing Alley in a wedding dress, and the second featuring him and Alley stealing piercing stares and smiling at each other, standing in a near-embrace. The accompanying caption read:

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

Undoubtedly, Alley and Travolta had a special bond only they understood, and despite leading separate lives, it never went away with time or death. They remained close in their hearts. Rest in peace, Kirstie!