Kirstie Alley had colon cancer prior to her death on Monday at age 71, a rep for Alley tells PEOPLE. In their statement confirming the news, Alley's children, True and Lillie Parker, said their "incredible, fierce and loving mother" had "only recently discovered" the cancer. "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," they said in their statement. Pick up the issue on newsstands Friday, and tap the bio link for more on Alley's life and legacy. 📷: @michaelgrecco