Shannen Doherty’s mother paid the actress a touching tribute, remembering her as her “beautiful girl.” The entertainment industry and fans around the globe are mourning the loss of Shannen Doherty. However, one who has been deeply affected by her death is her mother, Rosa Doherty.
The beloved “Charmed” actress passed away on July 13 at the age of 53, leaving an indelible void in the hearts of many. Just two days after her daughter’s passing, Rosa reached out with heartfelt gratitude to all the fans who stood by her during this difficult time.
Reflecting on her daughter’s memory, Rosa shared a poignant tribute. “She is my beautiful girl and my heart,” she expressed in a statement. “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 confirmed her death, marking the end of a courageous journey that 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 Sloane.
“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,” Leslie continued in her statement.
In her final public appearance, Shannen was seen enjoying a peaceful evening with those closest to her. The actress was with her longtime friend, Chris Cortazzo, and her mother, Rosa, taking a stroll in Malibu, California.
The trio had just dined at Kristy’s waterfront restaurant, a serene spot with picturesque views. The moment unknowingly served as the backdrop for one of Shannen’s final public outings.
The photos captured the trio enjoying every moment, radiating genuine warmth and camaraderie. Chris, positioned between Shannen and her mother, had his arm wrapped around Shannen, exuding a sense of protection.
The three were casually dressed in jeans, with Rosa and Chris matching in black tops. Shannen opted for a simple yet stylish gray short-sleeved cardigan paired with a black cap.
The photos showcased the joy and comfort Shannen found in the company of her loved ones. This moment reflected her positive outlook even in the face of a long and challenging battle with cancer.
Like Rosa, Chris was deeply affected by Shannen’s passing. He took to Instagram to share a heartfelt video filled with memories of their time together. Alongside the video, Chris penned a moving tribute to Shannen, referring to her as his “beloved friend and heart.”
Reflecting on the laughter and countless memories they shared, Chris honored Shannen’s role in his life. He described her as his “protector, best friend, and divine wife.” His sorrow was palpable as he wrote, “My heart is shattered,” before concluding with the touching words, “I love you forever, my sweet dear friend.”
Chris and Shannen shared a deep bond. In a past episode of her podcast, “Let’s Be Clear with Shannen Doherty,” the two friends shared an open and honest conversation, where Shannen revealed details about her will and her wishes for her funeral arrangements.
During their chat, the two friends expressed their desire to never say goodbye. When Chris joked about passing away before Shannen, she quickly reminded him that it wasn’t an option since he was the executor of her will.
Shannen Doherty and Chris Cortazzo at Nobu Malibu on December 15, 2014, in Malibu, California. | Source: Getty Images
“That’s not happening. Dude, you’re the executor of my will. You control everything when I’m dead,” Shannen said. She also emphasized that she wanted Chris to take care of her mother after her passing.
Shannen also humorously mentioned she only wanted three attendees during her funeral: Chris, her mother, and her dog Bowie. She explained that this list came to mind when she faced brain surgery in January, fearing she might not survive. She said she didn’t want her funeral to be a somber affair but a celebration of love, a joyful gathering akin to a party.
Shannen Doherty and Chris Cortazzo on February 23, 2015, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
The star, best known for her role in “Beverly Hills 90210,” was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. Since then, she has been open about her health struggles. She shared how her dog Bowie, named after the late David Bowie, had an uncanny intuition about her health issues. This was before she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
The Tennessee native recalled her dog obsessively sniffing her right side. It was the same side where the cancer was later discovered, signaling an early warning that something was amiss.
After her diagnosis and through her treatments, including surgery and chemotherapy, Bowie’s behavior shifted to become even more protective. Shannen described her dog’s presence as “crazy protective,” making it difficult for anyone to get close to her. This showcased the deep bond they shared.
Shannen’s resilient spirit was a gift from her mother, Rosa. In a heartfelt November 2023 interview, the “Beverly Hills 90210” star revealed how her mom was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm when Shannen was just eight years old, infusing in her a fierce spirit.
Shannen Doherty at Fox Studios on August 7, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on her upbringing, Shannen shared that her mother was a woman of determination. This quality enabled her to learn the importance of perseverance from a very young age.
At the time, Shannen recalled her mother’s words, emphasizing that giving up was never an option. She described herself as always having been a fighter, attributing her strengths to the way she was raised.
Throughout her own health challenges, Shannen leaned heavily on her loved ones for support. Her mom, Rosa was a constant source of inspiration and guidance. She expressed deep gratitude for her mother’s influence, admitting that she considered her in every decision she made.
Shannen also mentioned the importance of her brother, his children, and her pets in her life. This highlighted the strong bonds that kept her grounded and motivated.
In an April episode of her podcast, Shannen shared that her main focus was her mother amidst her ongoing health struggles. The late actress expressed her concern for Rosa, noting that it would be incredibly difficult for her.
Shannen then emphasized her desire to avoid burdening her mother with unnecessary responsibilities, including dealing with multiple storage units filled with furniture.
As such, Shannen revealed she had started sorting through her belongings and had even given up her dream of owning a property in Tennessee. She admitted that letting go of this dream was a deeply emotional and challenging process. She felt like she was abandoning the vision of building a property with a house for herself and her mother.