Shannen Doherty spent time with her boyfriend Chris Cortazzo in Malibu in her last public photo before her death

The actress died at the age of 53 after a years-long battle with cancer on July 13

Shannen Doherty was spending time with a loved one when she was last photographed in public before her death.

The late Beverly Hills 90210 The star, who died on July 13 at the age of 53, was photographed a month earlier, on June 16, walking with her longtime boyfriend Chris Cortazzo at Kristy’s Malibu.

The real estate agent had his arm around the actress’ shoulder and Doherty carried a bag as he walked. Doherty was dressed casually in jeans, a gray top and a black messenger cap.

Related: Shannen Doherty started new round of chemotherapy in final health update before her death: ‘It’s scary’

Following the news of her death, Cortazzo posted an emotional tribute to the late star, writing, “My beloved friend and my heart,” alongside a collage of photos of the couple from years past.

“What memories and laughter we have shared on this journey,” he wrote on Instagram. “You were my protector, my best friend and my divine wife. My heart is broken. I love you forever my sweet dear friend.”

He signed the note, “Your Christopher.”

In November 2023, Doherty spoke to PEOPLE about her closeness to Cortazzo and his family, saying, “I have a best friend, a male best friend that we joke that we’re married to, and his two kids and I have had major breakthroughs, and we just love each other and hang out together, and I kind of consider them my kids.”

The actress also shared several photos with Cortazzo on social media. In a September 2023 Instagram post, she posted a selfie with Cortazzo and wrote, “Dinner time @chriscortazzo.”

In January Charmed Star shared a photo of her and Cortazzo. “Date night and really really good light,” she captioned the snap on Instagram.

Related: Shannen Dohertys Beverly Hills, 90210 Co-stars pay tribute to her death: “I know Luke is there with open arms”

That same month, Cortazzo also appeared on Doherty’s podcast So that we understand each otheron which they Charmed the former’s health problems and their friendship.

“You know, the only time I saw fear in your eyes was when I…” he said, and she asked, “Brain surgery?” (In June 2023, the actress shared that her cancer had spread to her brain and she underwent surgery.)

“Yes,” he said, and she added, “I didn’t think I would be myself again after the operation.”

“I know,” he replied. “But seeing you and seeing your mother looking at you and you looking at your mother, because there were three of us, and seeing you looking into each other’s eyes, it literally broke my heart.”

“As a friend, you’re so powerless because there’s nothing you can do. And then you just said, ‘I love you, mommy.’ And we held your hand as we walked down the hall and then… your mom had to say goodbye and that was brutal,” he continued as she held back her tears.

Related: Fans react to Shannen Doherty’s death years after her 90210 Co-star Luke Perry: “Say hello to Luke from us”

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PEOPLE confirmed on June 14 that Doherty died after years of living with cancer.

“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the death of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after a years-long battle with the disease,” said Doherty’s longtime spokeswoman Leslie Sloane.

“The devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones and her dog, Bowie. The family requests privacy so she can grieve in peace,” Sloane continued.

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