Holly Marie Combs writes tribute to “Better Half” Shannen Doherty

Shannen Doherty and Holly Marie Combs

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Holly Marie Combs pays tribute to her former Charmed Co-star and longtime friend Shannen Doherty.

On Instagram on Monday, the actress remembered Doherty, whom she described as her “better half.”

“My better half of 31 years. I have a hollow feeling in my chest and I can’t 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. I know your immortal spirit will live on in me and my children who you loved as your own. They will walk with your sense of purpose and pride. They will be honest and stand up for what is right. No matter what and no matter what happens. Your fire will live on in them and the many others. Charmed those you helped raise.”

Combs continued, “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 forever be my sister. I love you.”

Doherty died on July 13 at the age of 53 after a long battle with breast cancer. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2015. In the weeks before her death, Doherty said she felt “hopeful” about starting a new round of chemotherapy.

In the last episode of Doherty’s So that we understand each other Podcast – released on Monday, July 8 before her death – the Charmed Alum had welcomed Combs when they announced she would be joining The Halliwell HouseThe Charmed Rewatch podcast hosted by Combs, Brian Krause, and Drew Fuller. The Rewatch podcast, which first launched in 2022, went on hiatus last October. The podcast was then set to relaunch with Doherty joining.

Following Doherty’s death, the podcast paid tribute to the actress in a new episode released on July 14. Krause gave an emotional introduction to the episode.

“I know that we all here in Halliwell HouseiHeartmedia, social media, all over the world are shocked, devastated. Too young, too talented, too loving, too grateful, too soon. Shannen will be greatly missed and we are so honored that she came with us, or that we can have her in this new invocation of the Halliwell House,” he said.

Krause revealed that she had recorded episodes of the podcast with them before Doherty’s death: “We were lucky enough to record four episodes in the last week and Shannen was just so motivated and determined to help make this show a success and give you all more insight into the creation, fun and behind the scenes of Charmed.”

He said he, Combs and Fuller will continue the Rewatch podcast to “honor” Doherty.

“We’re going to go ahead and kick some damn ass in her name, because that’s what she would do. So from us at the Halliwell House – we love you and we thank you. And please pray for Shannen.”

Combs was among Doherty’s former co-stars and friends who paid tribute to the actress following news of her death. Beverly Hills, 91020 Stars from the cast who posted tributes on social media included Sarah Michelle Gellar, Olivia Munn, Rose McGowan and Alyssa Milano.