Shannen Doherty had “big plans” for 2024 and believed she had more time before succumbing to cancer, according to reports.
The entertainment world mourned the loss of the Charmed star earlier this month after the 53-year-old lost her battle with cancer. Doherty was first diagnosed in 2015, entered remission in 2017, but her cancer returned as stage 4 in 2019, starting a new fight she ultimately couldn’t win.
Her longtime publicist Leslie Sloane confirmed the news to People, stating, “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.”
Throughout her battle, Doherty was candid with fans about her journey. Despite her openness, RadarOnline reported that the 90210 actress believed she had more time and was even considering a move to Italy.
In a tribute episode on the House of Halliwell rewatch podcast, former Charmed castmates Holly Marie Combs, Brian Krause, and Drew Fuller shared insights into Doherty’s final thoughts. Combs revealed that Doherty “didn’t think she was going anywhere anytime soon.” She added, “It sounds terribly cliché until it happens to you, but you always think you have more time and life changes on a dime.”
Fuller, who played Chris Halliwell on Charmed, was in Italy when he learned of Doherty’s deteriorating health and rushed back to the US to be by her side. Combs said, “She’s definitely laughing at him panicking and getting on a plane for her because that was her dream. Her next trip was going to be to Italy, and she was considering moving to Italy.”
Combs also reflected on Doherty’s determination, saying, “She was going to outlive us all, and there were many times I firmly believed that. So, when things did take a turn, and it happened very quickly, it was very shocking. Which sounds silly to say when someone has a terminal disease but it’s still very shocking.”
She added, “She just wanted to do so much more than her body was able to do. And I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who had such enthusiasm for life. She just wanted to do more and more things and see more and more places. I dare say Rose [McGowan] was actually the most upset.”
Dr. Lawrence D. Piro, a close friend of Doherty’s, described her final moments, saying she was “very comfortable.” He shared, “In the last few hours, she was in a place where she was very comfortable and sleeping and transitioning, and she was surrounded by some of her very close friends. The room was surrounded by a select group of friends that were giving her a lot of care and support. It was somber and sad, but beautiful and loving. The hardest thing about this was that she wasn’t ready to leave because she loved life.”