A Heartfelt Tribute to a Beloved Sister
Jamie Lee Curtis, the acclaimed actress and author, has shared a touching memory of her late sister, Kelly, in a heartfelt tribute following her passing. The 67-year-old star revealed a sentimental moment she had with her sister before her wedding day, highlighting the deep bond they shared.
Kelly, who was 69 when she passed away, was described by Jamie Lee as her “first friend and lifelong confidant.” In an emotional post, Jamie Lee shared the news of her sister’s death, emphasizing that she passed away peacefully in her home.
A Special Moment Before the Wedding
In the days following Kelly’s passing, Jamie Lee received photos that she had taken with her sister before her wedding to Christopher Guest. These black-and-white images captured a special moment between the two sisters, showing them sharing a tender connection just before Jamie Lee walked down the aisle.
The photographs were taken on December 17, 1984, the evening before Jamie Lee’s wedding. Their friend Suzanne Tenner, who was also present at the time, created a portrait of the sisters. Recently, Suzanne sent Jamie Lee a contact sheet of these images as a gesture of condolence for the loss of her beautiful sister.
Jamie Lee reflected on their relationship, noting that while they had their differences and experienced sibling rivalry during their childhood, their bond remained strong. Kelly returned to be with Jamie Lee at her wedding and never really left again.
A Deep Connection and Shared Memories
Jamie Lee also shared how Kelly became an integral part of her family structure. At one point, Kelly worked as Jamie Lee’s assistant, helping out during times when she was between jobs. This role allowed them to spend more time together and strengthen their relationship.
“I miss her today but am buoyed by the knowledge that she is at peace,” Jamie Lee said, expressing both her grief and comfort in knowing that her sister is no longer suffering.
Tributes from Fans and Friends
Rita Wilson and Jennifer Garner were among those who responded to Jamie Lee’s post, praising the beautiful and tender images of the sisters. Rita wrote, “So tender and beautiful,” while Jennifer added, “Beautiful ♥️.”
Earlier in the day, Jamie Lee had shared a stunning black-and-white photo of her sister to announce her passing. She wrote to her 6.6 million followers, “A warm aloha to my older sister, Kelly Lee Curtis. She passed away this morning. In her home. In nature. At peace.”
Although the cause of death was not disclosed, Jamie Lee continued to share fond memories of her sister. She described Kelly as “jaw-droppingly beautiful” and a talented actress who enjoyed playing cards, collecting turtles, and exploring the world.
A Legacy of Love and Generosity
Kelly was proud of her Danish roots and Hungarian Jewish ancestry, and she was a devoted American patriot. Jamie Lee highlighted her sister’s generous spirit, fierce opinions, and endless curiosity. She also remembered Kelly’s unique style and her famous powdered, almond, crescent cookies made during Christmas.
“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 said.
A Family of Performers
Jamie Lee and Kelly are the daughters of Tony Curtis, known for his role in “Some Like It Hot,” and Janet Leigh, who starred in “Psycho.” Both sisters followed in their parents’ footsteps, becoming performers in their own right. Kelly appeared in films such as “The Devil’s Daughter” (1991) and worked behind the scenes on several of Jamie Lee’s projects, including “Freaky Friday,” “Christmas with the Kranks,” and “You Again.”
In her initial Instagram post, Jamie Lee recalled that Kelly always ended her messages with a Hungarian blessing, “Isten Veled, God is with you.” As a final tribute, Jamie Lee concluded with the same blessing: “Isten Veled to my sister of the sun and the moon, my Tai. I’ll see you on down the line.”
