Jamie Lee Curtis shared an emotional glimpse into one of the most cherished moments she had with her late sister Kelly Curtis, following the actress’s heartbreaking death at the age of 69.
The Oscar-winning star took to Instagram over the weekend to post a touching series of black-and-white photographs that captured the sisters together on the eve of her wedding to husband Christopher Guest in 1984.
The intimate contact sheet, made up of candid portraits taken by photographer Suzanne Tenner, showed Jamie Lee and Kelly curled up together on the floor of Jamie’s apartment, laughing, embracing and enjoying one final quiet evening before the actress walked down the aisle.
The sentimental images resurfaced after Kelly’s death and were sent to Jamie Lee by Suzanne as a gesture of condolence.
“In 1984 on December 17, in the evening before my wedding, my sister, Kelly, who was my maid of honor, came to my apartment and slept over,” Jamie Lee wrote.
© Jamie Lee Curtis“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 photographs offer a personal glimpse into the bond shared by the daughters of Hollywood legends Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh.
In one frame, the sisters sit wrapped in each other’s arms. In another, Kelly rests her head on Jamie Lee’s lap. Across the collection, there is a sense of comfort, affection and familiarity that only decades of shared history can create.
© WireImageReflecting on their relationship, Jamie Lee admitted that their connection evolved over the years. “My sister and I were close as children but also had that sibling competition for divorced parents’ attention and love,” she shared.
“We were wildly different and lived apart for many years, but she came back to be with me at my wedding and never really left again.”
That reunion would become the foundation of a close relationship that lasted for the rest of Kelly’s life.
Jamie Lee revealed that her sister later worked alongside her professionally, becoming an important presence within her family.
“She worked for me at one point when she was in between jobs as my assister-aunt and became an integral part of my family structure,” she explained.
“I miss her today but am buoyed by the knowledge that she is at peace.”
The moving tribute prompted an outpouring of support from friends and fellow celebrities. Rita Wilson commented: “So tender and beautiful.”
Jennifer Garner also shared her condolences, writing simply: “Beautiful.”
Earlier that day, Jamie Lee had announced Kelly’s death in a separate post featuring a striking black-and-white portrait of her sister. “A warm aloha to my older sister, Kelly Lee Curtis,” she wrote.
“She passed away this morning. In her home. In nature. At peace.”
No cause of death has been publicly disclosed. The Halloween star went on to celebrate the many qualities that made her sister so beloved.
“She was my first friend and lifelong confidant,” Jamie Lee wrote. “She was jaw-droppingly beautiful, and a talented actress.”
Remembering Kelly’s passions and personality, she added that her sister “played a mean game of hearts, collected turtles, loved her family, nature, music, thrifting, travel, Facebook, and Pokémon Go.”
Jamie Lee also described Kelly as someone who was deeply proud of her heritage and fiercely devoted to the people she loved.
“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.”
© Getty Images for Universal PictuLike Jamie Lee, Kelly followed their famous parents into the entertainment industry. She appeared in a number of film and television projects throughout her career, including the 1991 horror film The Devil’s Daughter, while also working behind the scenes on several productions.
Kelly served as a production assistant on some of Jamie Lee’s best-known films, including Freaky Friday, Christmas with the Kranks and You Again.
In her final farewell, Jamie Lee reflected on a phrase her sister often used whenever signing off a message. “Kelly always signed off any message or fare thee well with a Hungarian blessing… Isten Veled, God is with you.”
She concluded her tribute with the same words. “Isten Veled to my sister of the sun and the moon, my Tai. I’ll see you on down the line.”
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