“I’m not done with life yet”: When Shannen Doherty spoke about life, love and more before her death at the age of 53

Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of death.

The Hollywood star who touched the lives of all people with his films, Shannen Dohertywas known for enjoying life to the fullest.

Before her death on July 13 at age 53, she told PEOPLE in 2023 that she wanted to embrace life during her cancer battle.

Her longtime spokesperson Leslie Sloane confirmed her death to PEOPLE on July 14, saying, “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 battling the disease for many years,” she said. “She was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend, surrounded by her loved ones and her dog, Bowie. The family requests privacy to grieve in peace.”

Here is a look back at her life: moments from her cancer illness and how she fought back with all her strength.

Shannen Doherty talks about her battle with terminal cancer at the PEOPLE cover shoot

Shannen Doherty, known for her roles in “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Charmed,” spoke openly about her terminal breast cancer, which had spread to her bones, during a PEOPLE cover shoot just before Thanksgiving.

Throughout her treatment, the 52-year-old remained determined. “I’m not done living, loving, creating or striving for positive change,” she affirmed with a smile. Her eight-year battle with cancer had led her to deep reflection, a topic she explored in her podcast “Let’s Be Clear with Shannen Doherty,” which premiered on iHeartRadio on December 6. The podcast covered milestones in her career, personal relationships and her journey through illness and recovery.

After telling PEOPLE of her initial breast cancer diagnosis in 2015, Doherty underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. She announced her remission on Instagram in April 2017. However, the cancer returned in 2019 and she was diagnosed with metastatic stage 4 cancer the following year.

Faced with a stage four relapse, Doherty searched for a deeper meaning in life. She wanted to raise awareness and funds for cancer research and highlighted the contributions of terminally ill people. In June, she announced on Instagram that her cancer had spread to her brain and expressed disbelief that there was no cure. She underwent surgery to remove a tumor, which she humorously named Bob, and described it as one of her most frightening experiences.

Doherty, who is motivated to work despite her cancer, challenges false perceptions

Doherty wanted to participate in clinical trials for new treatments while challenging stereotypes about the impact of cancer on work and life. She emphasized the resilience and optimistic attitude of breast cancer patients and challenged the notion that they should retire early.

Shannen woke up every morning grateful for her loved ones and her German Shepherd, Bowie. She believed her best memories were yet to come and found comfort in prayer and a deep spiritual connection. Even though she was suffering from cancer, life’s moments became more poignant for her and she appreciated each day with awareness and gratitude.