The entertainment industry and fans around the globe are mourning the loss of beloved “Charmed” actress Shannen Doherty, who passed away on July 13 at the age of 53. However, one who has been deeply affected by her death is her mother, Rosa Doherty.
Just two days after her daughter’s passing, Rosa reached out with a heartfelt tribute, expressing her profound grief and gratitude for the outpouring of love and support Shannen received throughout her life.
In a statement, Rosa shared, “She is my beautiful girl and my heart. Our family wants to thank everyone who has shown love and support for our Shannen throughout her life. We are truly appreciative.”
Shannen’s publicist, Leslie Sloane, confirmed the actress’s passing, marking the end of a courageous battle with cancer that had inspired many.
“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease,” said Leslie in her statement.
The statement continued, “The devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie. The family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace.”
In her final public appearance, Shannen was seen enjoying a peaceful evening with those closest to her, including her mother, Rosa, and her longtime friend, Chris Cortazzo.
The trio was spotted dining at Kristy’s waterfront restaurant in Malibu, California, radiating genuine warmth and camaraderie. The photos captured the trio’s joyful moments, a reflection of Shannen’s positive outlook even in the face of her health challenges.
Chris, who was deeply affected by Shannen’s passing, took to Instagram to share a heartfelt video filled with memories of their time together. In his tribute, he honored Shannen as his “beloved friend and heart,” his “protector, best friend, and divine wife.”
During a past episode of her podcast, “Let’s Be Clear with Shannen Doherty,” the actress revealed details about her will and her wishes for her funeral arrangements, showcasing her unwavering spirit and sense of humor.
Shannen humorously mentioned that she only wanted three attendees at her funeral: Chris, her mother, and her dog Bowie. She explained that she didn’t want her funeral to be a somber affair but a celebration of love, a joyful gathering akin to a party.
Shannen also emphasized that she wanted Chris to take care of her mother, Rosa, after her passing, demonstrating her deep concern for her family’s well-being.
Shannen Doherty’s passing has left an indelible void in the hearts of many, but her mother’s touching tribute and the unwavering love of her closest friends serve as a testament to the profound impact she had on those around her. Shannen’s courageous cancer journey and her steadfast spirit will continue to inspire and guide those who were fortunate to have known her.
Shannen Doherty, the beloved star of “Beverly Hills 90210,” has been open about her ongoing health battle with breast cancer. Her journey, however, took an unexpected turn when her furry companion, Bowie, became an unlikely hero in her fight against the disease.
Shannen’s dog, Bowie, named after the late musical icon David Bowie, had an uncanny ability to sense something was amiss with his owner’s health. Before Shannen was even diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, Bowie began obsessively sniffing her right side – the same side where the cancer was later discovered.
Shannen, a native of Tennessee, recalls her dog’s peculiar behavior, which served as an early warning sign that something was wrong. “Bowie just kept sniffing that one spot on my right side, and it was really strange,” Shannen shared in a heartfelt interview. “It turns out, that’s where the cancer was.”
As Shannen navigated her diagnosis and underwent various treatments, including surgery and chemotherapy, Bowie’s role as her protector became even more pronounced. The actress described her dog’s presence as “crazy protective,” making it difficult for anyone to get close to her during this challenging time.
“Bowie was just so in tune with me and what I was going through,” Shannen said. “He wouldn’t let anyone near me, and I know it was because he was trying to keep me safe and comfortable.”
Shannen’s resilient spirit, which helped her through her health struggles, can be attributed to the strong influence of her mother, Rosa. In a November 2023 interview, Shannen revealed that her mother was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm when Shannen was just eight years old, instilling in her a fierce determination to never give up.
“My mom was always a woman of unwavering strength and perseverance,” Shannen said. “She taught me that quitting was never an option, and that mentality has carried me through so much in my life.”
As Shannen navigated her own health challenges, she leaned heavily on her loved ones for support, including her mother, brother, and her beloved pets. However, in a recent podcast episode, Shannen shared that her main focus was on her mother’s well-being amidst her own ongoing struggles.
Recognizing the need to alleviate the burden on her mother, Shannen revealed that she had started sorting through her belongings and even given up her dream of owning a property in Tennessee. This heartbreaking decision was a testament to Shannen’s selflessness and her desire to prioritize her mother’s well-being over her own personal aspirations.
Shannen Doherty’s journey with breast cancer has been a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of family, and the remarkable intuition of a loyal canine companion. Bowie’s early detection of her illness and Shannen’s unwavering spirit, rooted in her mother’s influence, have inspired countless individuals facing similar challenges.
Through her openness and vulnerability, Shannen has not only shared her own story but has also become a beacon of hope for those facing their own health battles. Her story serves as a reminder that with the support of loved ones and the unexpected guidance of our furry friends, we can overcome even the most daunting of circumstances.
