Jamie Lee Curtis is mourning the loss of her older sister, Kelly Curtis, while sharing an emotional glimpse into the bond they rebuilt over the years. The Oscar-winning actress took to social media over the weekend to honor Kelly following her death, posting a collection of never-before-seen family photos alongside a deeply personal message reflecting on their relationship. Kelly Curtis, who was also an actress, was 69.
On Saturday, Jamie Lee shared a carousel of black-and-white photos on Instagram showing intimate moments with Kelly through the years. The heartfelt tribute included memories from one of the biggest moments of Jamie Lee’s life: the night before her wedding. “In 1984, on December 17, in the evening before my wedding, my sister, Kelly, who was my maid of honor, came to my apartment and slept over,” Jamie wrote.
The actress went on to reflect on their childhood, admitting their relationship wasn’t always simple. “My sister and I were close as children but also had that sibling competition for divorced parent’s attention and love and we were wildly different and lived apart for many years, but she came back to be with me at my wedding and never really left again,” she shared.
Curtis Says Her Sister Became Part Of Her ‘Family Structure’
As the years passed, Jamie said Kelly eventually became an even bigger part of her day-to-day life. According to the actress, her sister worked for her at one point while she was “in between jobs” and slowly became woven into the fabric of her family.
“I miss her today but am buoyed by the knowledge that she is at peace,” Jamie concluded in the emotional post.
Jamie Lee Curtis Announced Kelly Curtis’ Death Earlier That Day
Earlier that same day, Jamie first revealed the heartbreaking news that Kelly had died. Sharing a black-and-white image of her older sister smoking a cigarette while having her hair styled, the “Halloween” actress reflected on the profound role Kelly played in her life. “A warm aloha to my older sister, Kelly Lee Curtis,” Jamie wrote, adding that Kelly passed away “this morning. In her home. In nature. At peace.”
“She was my first friend and lifelong confidant,” Jamie added, calling her sister “jaw droppingly beautiful, and a talented actress.”
“She will be remembered for her loving generosity, fierce opinions, endless curiosity, unique style, and her powdered, almond, crescent cookies at Christmas, hence her name, Auntie Cookie,” Jamie Lee added. “Kelly always signed off any message or fare thee well with a Hungarian blessing… Isten Veled, God is with you. Isten Veled to my sister of the sun and the moon, my Tai. I’ll see you on down the line.”
Kelly Curtis Also Worked In Hollywood
Though Jamie Lee became the more widely recognized star, Kelly also built a career in entertainment. She appeared in several films and television projects over the years, including roles in “The Sentinel,” “Magic Sticks,” and “The Devil’s Daughter,” while also working behind the scenes in Hollywood.
Kelly came from a famous acting family, as the daughter of screen legends Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, and sister to Jamie Lee Curtis.
No Cause Of Death Has Been Revealed
At this time, an official cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. Fans and fellow celebrities have since flooded Jamie Lee’s comments section with condolences as she continues to honor her late sister and the decades-long bond they shared.
Actress Jennifer Garner commented, “Beautiful,” adding a red heart emoji, while Rita Ora wrote, “The picture in the second column and second down is so tender and beautiful.” Professional dancer and actress Julianne Hough commented, “Wrapping you in love,” adding a white heart emoji, while Sharon Stone wrote, “My sincere condolences.”
“So sorry for your loss,” Octavia Spencer chimed in before Rita Wilson expressed, “Jamie, so sorry for your loss. Sending you and your family love.” Actress Debi Mazar simply said, “My condolences.”
Kelly is survived by her husband, Scott Morfee.
