Jamie Lee Curtis mourns sister Kelly Curtis, who passed at age 69

Jamie Lee Curtis is mourning the death of her older sister, Kelly Curtis, who died at 69, according to a tribute the actress shared on Instagram. Jamie said Kelly died at home “at peace,” and described her as “my first friend and lifelong confidant.”

According to Yahoo Entertainment, Kelly Curtis was the eldest daughter of actors Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, and the older sister of Jamie Lee Curtis. She was born in Santa Monica, Calif., and appeared in acting roles of her own, including work in film and television over several decades.

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Family bond and final tribute

In her post, Jamie Lee Curtis shared never-before-seen photos of the two sisters and wrote that Kelly returned to be with her at her wedding in 1984, Page Six confirmed. She said Kelly had worked for her during a stretch when she was “in between jobs” and became part of her family structure.

Jamie also said her sister was “jaw-droppingly beautiful and a talented actress,” and remembered her for her “loving generosity, fierce opinions, endless curiosity, unique style.” She added that Kelly signed off messages with a Hungarian blessing: “Isten Veled, God is with you,” per Yahoo Entertainment.

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Acting career and family background

According to Yahoo’s reporting, Kelly Curtis is survived by her husband, Scott Morfee.

The family includes several children from Tony Curtis’ marriages, along with Jamie Lee and Kelly. Jamie’s tribute focused on their close bond, their childhood connection and Kelly’s place in her life as both a sister and steady support.