Days after Jamie Lee Curtis announced the death of her sister, new details have been shared surrounding Kelly Lee Curtis' cause of death. Kelly, 69, died of natural causes, the Blaine County coroner's office in Idaho confirmed to Us Weekly. She had been receiving hospice care in the week leading up to her death on Saturday, according to the outlet.
Jamie honored Kelly in an Instagram tribute, noting that she died "in her home. In nature. At peace," alongside a black-and-white photo of her older sister, which was also shared in her obituary.
The Acting Bug Ran in the Family
Kelly, the eldest daughter of Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, was born on June 17, 1956, and raised in Los Angeles with sister Jamie until their stepfather, Robert Brandt, brought the family to Idaho, according to the heartfelt obituary. She began acting as a child before graduating with a business degree in 1972, but returned to acting, studying the craft at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute.
She had a small role in 1983's Trading Places alongside her sister, was featured in the 1987 German comedy film Magic Sticks, and scored the lead in the 1991 Italian horror film The Devil's Daughter. Kelly also had a recurring role as Lt. Carolyn Plummer on the first season of The Sentinel and appeared in episodes of series including The Equalizer, Hunter and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
"She lived a life of generosity, service and a deep love of natural beauty and was dedicated to her family and Pokémon Go," the online tribute read. Kelly, who was affectionately known as 'Auntie Cookie,' is survived by her husband John, her sisters Jamie, Alexandra, Allegra and their brother Benjamin, along with many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and her stepmother, Leslie Curtis.
'Isten Veled, God is with you'
In Jamie's tribute, she noted that her sister was "proud of her Danish roots and Hungarian Jewish ancestry and was a devoted American patriot." She was remembered as having "always signed off any message or farewell with a Hungarian blessing, Isten Veled, God is with you." The tribute concluded: "Isten Veled to our sister of the sun and the moon, Kelly. May her memory be a blessing." Jamie Lee added in her post: "I'll see you on down the line."
