Holly Marie Combs breaks her silence on Shannen Doherty’s death

Holly Marie Combs remembers her former Charmed Co-star and best friend Shannen Doherty.

“My better half of 31 years. I have a hollow feeling in my chest and can’t seem to breathe. A part of me is missing even though I know exactly what you would say to me right now. I know exactly what you would say to me right now,” Combs, 50, shared in an Instagram post on Monday, July 15. “I know your immortal spirit will live on in me and my children who you loved as your own. They will live on with your sense of purpose and pride.”

She continued, “They will be honest and stand up for what is right. No matter what happens, they don’t care. Your fire will live on in them and the many others. Charmed the one you raised. A fierce fighter to the end. My most passionate fighter. My loyal protector. My best friend. You taught me what family means. You were and will always be my sister. I love you.”

Combs’ tribute comes one day after We weekly confirmed on Sunday, July 14, that Doherty had died at the age of 53 after a long battle with cancer.

“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,” said Doherty’s spokeswoman. Leslie Sloanesaid in a statement. “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 during this time so they can grieve in peace.”

Doherty was first diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer in 2015. After a remission, the cancer returned, so the actress went public with her illness in 2017. Doherty spoke openly about her cancer journey, sharing in November 2023 that the disease had spread to her bones and eventually her brain.

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Combs and Doherty were friends who grew closer when they played the roles of sisters Piper and Prue Halliwell. Charmedwhich premiered in 1998. The duo performed alongside Alyssa Milan as Phoebe Halliwell. Although there was some behind-the-scenes drama between the trio, Combs and Doherty always remained close friends.

“You give her the punches and she just keeps going. She’s never been stronger. She feels really good,” Combs said during a podcast episode in June 2023, getting emotional.

Before her death, Doherty had signed a contract with Combs, along with the former Charmed Stars Drew Fuller And Brian Krause to host “The House of Halliwell: A Charmed Rewatch Podcast.” The first episode was released on July 8, just over a week before Doherty’s death. (In that episode, the stars discussed a possible Charmed reboot and how Prue, who died during the season three finale, might be involved.)

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The cast of Charmed is mourning the loss of Shannen Doherty, who died at the age of 53 from complications of cancer. “A true lion heart. What a warrior,” wrote Rose McGowan on Sunday, July 14, in an Instagram comment. “Your daddy is holding his best girl now. Love to your mom, your dog and everyone who (…)

The description of the show’s second episode, titled “Shannen’s Magic Lives On,” reveals that they had recorded five episodes with her before Doherty’s death.

“This show, this character, this podcast meant so much to Shannen that she couldn’t wait to share it with Charmed fans everywhere,” the podcast description read. “We want to honor her memory and fulfill Shannen’s wishes by airing the first five episodes she recorded before her passing. She was excited about this project and proud to have played Prue Halliwell. We hope these episodes bring some comfort to everyone who loved her.”