Jamie Lee Curtis has shared heartfelt memories following the passing of her sister, Kelly Lee Curtis, who died on May 30 at the age of 69. The actress took to Instagram to reminisce about a special shared moment from the night before her wedding to Christopher Guest in 1984.
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In a touching post, Curtis shared a collection of black-and-white photographs capturing the two sisters together in her apartment. Jamie described how Kelly had stayed over the previous evening as her maid of honour, adding that a friend had come by to take portraits of them. “In 1984 on December 17, in the evening before my wedding, my sister, Kelly, who was my maid of honour, came to my apartment and slept over,” Jamie wrote. “Our friend, Suzanne Tenner, came and made a portrait of the sisters before I got married. She sent me this contact sheet today in condolence for the loss of my beautiful sister.”
The pair had a complicated yet loving relationship, often experiencing the typical sibling rivalry, especially having been raised in a household shaped by the challenges of their parents’ divorce. Despite these challenges, Jamie reflected on how their bond strengthened, particularly when Kelly took a pivotal role during her wedding. “My sister and I were close as children but also had that sibling competition for divorced parents’ attention and love,” she noted. “But she came back to be with me at my wedding and never really left again.”
Jamie went on to express how integral Kelly became to her life. At one point, she employed Kelly as her assistant during a transitional phase in Kelly’s career. Jamie wrote, “She worked for me at one point when she was in between jobs as my as-sister-aunt and became an integral part of my family structure.” In her tribute, she acknowledged the gap that Kelly’s passing has left in her life, saying, “I miss her today but am buoyed by the knowledge that she is at peace.”
The poignant image shared by Curtis received an outpouring of support from fellow actors and friends. Jennifer Garner and Rita Wilson were among those who left loving comments, highlighting the beauty of the moments captured in Jamie’s post.
Just one day before sharing the cherished memories, Jamie publicly announced her sister’s death, revealing that Kelly had passed away peacefully in her California home. Alongside a nostalgic photograph capturing Kelly during a hair appointment, Jamie offered a heartfelt farewell to her sister, recalling their deep connection. “She was my first friend and lifelong confidant,” she expressed. Jamie remembered her sister as “jaw-droppingly beautiful” and noted her talents as an actress, recalling Kelly’s love for various pursuits, from collecting turtles to enjoying family gatherings.
In her tribute, Jamie also highlighted Kelly’s unique qualities and her generosity. She said, “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.” Closing her heartfelt message, she remembered how Kelly would sign off messages 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 Lee Curtis was the elder daughter of renowned actors Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh. She was born into a world of celebrity, and her early foray into acting began when she appeared uncredited in the 1958 film, *The Vikings*, at just two years old. Over the years, Kelly carved her niche within the entertainment industry, featuring in several television series during the 1980s and 1990s, including roles in *Star Trek: Deep Space Nine* and *The Equalizer*.
Having graduated from Skidmore College, Kelly not only acted alongside her sister in the 1983 film *Trading Places*, but also continued to support Jamie throughout her career, stepping into the role of her assistant on multiple productions. Their mutual support and bond formed a significant part of each sister’s life, encapsulating the essence of sibling camaraderie.
As Jamie Lee Curtis navigates this difficult period, her memories of Kelly stand as a testament to a deep and enduring connection, treasured moments that will remain in her heart forever.