Leah Reminiis speaking out afterKirstie Alley’s death.

“The news ofKirstie Alley’s passing is very sad,” Remini, 52, said in a statement shared withRolling Stone.

The actresses had been engaged in a years-long public war of words after Remini broke with the Scientology in 2013. Alley was very critical of theKing of Queensalum’s claims about the Church,even calling her former friend a “bigot"in a 2013Howard Sterninterview.

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Leah Remini and Kirstie Alley

In her statement this week, Remini added that she’s thinking of theCheersstar’s children, True Stevenson, 30, and Lillie Stevenson, 28, during this time.

“Although Scientologists don’t believe in prayers, my prayers do go out to her two children, who are now without their mom,” she continued. “I hope they can, one day, free themselves of this dangerous and toxic organization.”

On Monday, Alley’s children confirmed her passing “after a battle with cancer,only recently discovered.” She was 71.

Kirstie Alley.Cindy Ord/Getty

Kirstie Alley

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True and Lillie continued, “Our mother’s zest and passion for life, her children, grandchildren and her many animals, not to mention her eternal joy of creating, were unparalleled and leave us inspired to live life to the fullest just as she did. We thank you for your love and prayers and ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time.”

A rep for theDrop Dead Gorgeousstar later revealed her client had beendiagnosed with colon cancer.

source: people.com