Jamie Lee Curtis is mourning the loss of her elder sister, Kelly Lee Curtis, who passed away on May 30 at the age of 69. In an emotional tribute shared on Instagram, Jamie, 67, announced that her sister had died peacefully in her home in California, prompting a heartfelt reflection on their bond and shared history.
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Following Kelly’s passing, Jamie fondly remembered a significant trip they undertook in 2012. The sisters journeyed to Hungary and Denmark as a way to explore their family’s heritage, a meaningful experience that allowed them to connect not only with their roots but with each other during a pivotal time in their lives.
In her Instagram post, Jamie described their adventure, beginning in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, where their father, Tony Curtis, hailed from a small town called Mátészalka. The sisters then continued their journey to Denmark, specifically visiting the island of Bornholm, where their mother, Janet Leigh, had ancestral ties.
Jamie highlighted the importance of the trip, referring to it as more than just a holiday. She urged others with siblings to take a similar journey, as it creates lasting memories and deep connections. “If you have a sibling, I recommend taking at least one trip, just the two of you, to trace a little bit of your family history,” she advised.
Accompanying her post, Jamie shared a series of photographs capturing moments from their time together, including a poignant visit to a memorial known as the “Tree of Life” in Budapest. This powerful memorial, located in the courtyard of the Dohány Street Synagogue, honours those lost during the Holocaust.
Reflecting on this visit, Jamie recounted how Kelly had previously joined their father, along with a group of Hungarian Jews, to aid in the restoration of the synagogue in the 1990s. The building stands as a testament to a rich history, and the Tree of Life itself features individual leaves inscribed with names in memory of the victims.
In one of the photographs shared by Jamie, plaques commemorating the Curtis and Schwartz families can be seen affixed at the base of the Tree of Life. Jamie expressed her gratitude and emotion upon seeing these tributes, which were placed by her close friend, Deborah Oppenheimer.
In her initial announcement concerning Kelly’s death, Jamie referred to her sister as her “first friend and lifelong confidant.” She highlighted Kelly’s talents as an actress and her pride in her Danish and Hungarian Jewish heritage.
Kelly was the firstborn daughter of Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, with Jamie following as the second daughter. Tony Curtis, a celebrated actor, had four additional children from his later marriages, making the Curtis family a significant presence in Hollywood.
As Jamie navigates this period of grief, she reflects on the impact of her sister and their shared experiences. The memories they created together, particularly during their exploration of their ancestry, have taken on added significance now that Kelly is no longer by her side.
The support from followers and fans continues to flow in for Jamie during this challenging time, as many remember Kelly’s legacy and the bond the sisters shared. The heartfelt reflections of Jamie Lee Curtis serve as a reminder of the power of family connections and the profound impact of shared experiences.