The Untold Story Of Kirstie Alley And Parker Stevenson: A $6 Million Divorce, A Secret Kiss, And A Heartbreaking Eulogy

Contents
The relationship between Kirstie Alley and Parker Stevenson remains one of Hollywood’s most enduringly complex stories, a 14-year marriage that survived the intense scrutiny of fame but ultimately ended in a high-profile, multi-million-dollar divorce. Their bond, forged in the early 1980s, was defined by their commitment to family, particularly their two adopted children, William True and Lillie Price. While their romantic chapter closed decades ago, the former couple’s story gained a poignant, final chapter with Alley's unexpected passing in December 2022, prompting Stevenson to share a touching, heartfelt eulogy that underscored their lasting connection as co-parents. As of December 11, 2025, the narrative surrounding the two actors has shifted from their on-screen success and dramatic split to a focus on the legacy of their family. Stevenson's public tribute solidified the fact that despite their differences, the foundation of love and mutual respect for their children never truly faded. This article explores the full arc of their relationship, from their initial meeting and family life to the surprising revelations about their divorce and the final, moving goodbye.

Complete Biographical Profile: Kirstie Alley and Parker Stevenson

Kirstie Alley and Parker Stevenson were both established television and film actors whose careers peaked during the height of their marriage, making them a true Hollywood power couple of the 1980s and 90s. Their individual career paths provided a stark contrast in style but a shared life in the spotlight.

Kirstie Alley (1951–2022)

  • Birth Name: Kirstie Louise Alley
  • Born: January 12, 1951, in Wichita, Kansas, U.S.
  • Died: December 5, 2022, at the age of 71.
  • Career Highlights:
    • Breakthrough role in the 1982 film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan as Vulcan officer Lieutenant Saavik.
    • Won an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award for her role as Rebecca Howe on the NBC sitcom Cheers (1987–1993).
    • Starred in the popular film franchise Look Who's Talking alongside John Travolta.
    • Later starred in the sitcom Veronica's Closet.

Parker Stevenson (Born 1952)

  • Birth Name: Richard Stevenson Parker Jr.
  • Born: June 4, 1952, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
  • Profession: Actor, Director, Producer, Photographer.
  • Career Highlights:
    • Best known for playing the role of Frank Hardy in the 1970s TV series The Hardy Boys Mysteries.
    • Played Craig Pomeroy in the popular series Baywatch.
    • Has appeared in numerous television movies and series throughout his career, including *Falcon Crest* and *Melrose Place*.

The 14-Year Marriage and the Adoption of True and Lillie

Kirstie Alley and Parker Stevenson married on December 22, 1983, in a lavish ceremony. Their relationship was celebrated by the public, often seen as a union of two successful television stars. [cite: 9, 14 from step 1]

The couple faced early struggles with conceiving, as Alley suffered a miscarriage. [cite: 7 from step 1] This difficult period led them to explore adoption, a decision that would define their family life. In 1992, they adopted their son, William True Stevenson. Two years later, they welcomed their daughter, Lillie Price Stevenson, in 1994. [cite: 6, 8 from step 1]

Kirstie Alley often spoke about her deep love for her children, stating she "would die" for the father of her kids, acknowledging the strong parental bond she shared with Stevenson even after their split. [cite: 7 from step 1] The adoption of True and Lillie was a pivotal, positive moment in their lives, creating a family unit that remained intact long after the marriage dissolved.

The Shocking Divorce and the $6 Million Settlement

After 14 years of marriage, Alley and Stevenson separated in 1996, with Alley filing for divorce shortly after in 1997. Both parties cited the common legal reason of irreconcilable differences. [cite: 1, 12 from step 1]

The divorce settlement was a highly publicized event, largely due to the significant disparity in their earnings. As the star of the massive hit *Cheers* and the *Look Who's Talking* film series, Kirstie Alley's fortune far surpassed that of Stevenson. Ultimately, the settlement resulted in Parker Stevenson receiving a reported $6 million from Alley. [cite: 16 from step 1]

The financial aspect was a key entity in the divorce proceedings, with Stevenson claiming his earnings were only a fraction of what Alley made during their marriage. [cite: 11 from step 1] Despite the financial and legal drama, the couple issued a joint statement declaring their intention to "remain the best of friends and devoted parents to our two children." [cite: 1 from step 1]

Kirstie's Confession: The 'Jake' Kiss

Years after the divorce, Kirstie Alley made a surprising confession that shed light on her own sense of guilt regarding the end of the marriage. She admitted that she had kissed a co-star on the set of a movie, an event she referred to as "Jake." [cite: 10 from step 1]

In her personal ethical code, Alley felt this single kiss was an act of infidelity that necessitated a divorce. She stated, "What I did do with Jake was I kissed him. And in my world, in Kirstie world, that meant I had to get a divorce." This revelation highlighted the intense personal struggle and moral conviction that contributed to the end of her marriage to Stevenson. [cite: 10 from step 1]

Parker Stevenson's Heartbreaking Eulogy and Lasting Family Bond

The final, and perhaps most moving, chapter of their story came in December 2022, following Kirstie Alley's death at age 71 after a short battle with a recently discovered form of colon cancer. [cite: 2, 3 from step 1]

Parker Stevenson immediately shared a touching and public eulogy for his ex-wife, proving the strength of their co-parenting relationship and mutual respect. In his tribute, he expressed profound gratitude for their life together, focusing entirely on their shared family. [cite: 4, 5 from step 1]

His message, which began with "Dear Kirstie," read: "I am so grateful for our years together, and for the two incredibly beautiful children and now grandchildren that we have." [cite: 5, 15 from step 1] He added that she would be missed by their children, True and Lillie, and their grandchildren. This powerful statement confirmed that the entity of their family unit, centered on their adopted children, was the true and enduring legacy of their 14-year marriage, transcending the drama of their Hollywood divorce. [cite: 2, 9 from step 1]

parker stevenson and kirstie alley
parker stevenson and kirstie alley

Detail Author:

  • Name : Terrell O'Hara
  • Username : mosciski.audreanne
  • Email : murazik.nya@corkery.info
  • Birthdate : 2000-08-13
  • Address : 941 Alphonso Trail Apt. 659 Wisokytown, NY 76133
  • Phone : (980) 820-1962
  • Company : Gerhold-Mante
  • Job : Medical Equipment Repairer
  • Bio : Sed et ut dignissimos aperiam ut. Perspiciatis minima aliquid dolor aut. Itaque ipsam rerum dolorum qui.

Socials

linkedin:

facebook:

  • url : https://facebook.com/nella_grimes
  • username : nella_grimes
  • bio : Voluptatem ipsum ullam aliquam ut velit. Sed in similique vel ipsam.
  • followers : 6770
  • following : 2021

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/grimesn
  • username : grimesn
  • bio : Et sed ea aut quaerat. Voluptatem iure natus omnis sed modi. Ratione consectetur cupiditate cum eos.
  • followers : 3327
  • following : 2084