Shannen Doherty’s inner circle: Holly Marie Combs, Chris Cortazzo and what they said against Kurt Iswarienko

Hollywood spent the beginning of the week mourning the far too early loss of Shannen Doherty, who died over the weekend at the age of 53 after a years-long battle with breast cancer that had metastasized in recent years.

In light of her passing, her long-time best friends and former colleagues have expressed their condolences, including her Charmed Co-Stars, Alyssa Milano, Holly Marie CombsAnd Rose McGowanher Beverly Hills, 90210 Co-stars like Brian Austin Green, Jennie Garthand Tori Spelling as well as other friends such as Sarah Michelle Gellar and Olivia Munn.

Although the late actress’ battle with cancer was devastating, she had loyal supporters throughout, many of whom have testified to her strength, courage and tenacity both in battling the terrible disease and in life itself.

Below you will find out who Shannen’s closest friends were and what they said about her death, including criticism of the way her divorced ex-husband Kurt Iswarienko handled it.

Shannen’s relationship with Chris Cortazzo

The last time Shannen was photographed in public, she was out and about with her best friend in Malibu on June 16 Chris Cortazzo, Lunch at Kristy’s.

Following Shannen’s death, real estate agent Chris shared a video montage on Instagram with photos of the two over the years and wrote, “My beloved friend and my heart. What memories and laughter we have shared on this journey. You were my protector, my best friend and my divine wife. My heart is broken. I love you forever my sweet dear friend,” signed, “Your Christopher.”

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In November of last year, Shannen spoke to People about the prospect of finding love after her divorce. At the time, she noted, “I don’t really know what that looks like,” but she spoke fondly of Chris, “I have a best friend, a male best friend, who we joke about being married. His two kids and I have had big breakthroughs. We just love each other and hang out together. I kind of think of them as my kids.”

What did Holly Marie say about Shannen’s death?

Holly viewed Shannen not only as a co-star and friend, but also as her sister. The two played Piper and Prue Halliwell together on Charmed, which aired from 1998 to 2006, and Shannen became like a second mother to Holly’s children.

MORE: The fight between Shannen Doherty and Alyssa Milano in “Charmed” – a timeline of their friendship and their fight

She wrote on Instagram: “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. 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 zero (curse word) given. Your fire will live on in them and the many other Charmed characters 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 forever be my sister. I love you.”

Tara Furiani criticizes Shannen’s ex-husband

Before her death, Shannen was in a difficult legal battle over her divorce from Kurt, whom she separated from last year after marrying in 2011. In documents filed in June and obtained by People, she accused her ex-husband of withholding information about his income to avoid having to pay child support.

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Their divorce was finally finalized days before Shannen’s death. Her friend Tara Furiani, a management consultant, wrote on LinkedIn: “I am truly saddened and dismayed by the passing of my friend Shannen… because of the divorce she was going through at the time.”

Although she noted that Shannen had “come to terms” with the thought of death, she added, “But her pain and suffering in the months leading up to it wouldn’t have had to be so great if her husband had just been a decent human being. He could have just shown a little bit of humanity to his dying wife. Life is so hard… life is especially hard with cancer and without the support you thought you had.”