Tori Spelling’s emotional reaction to the death of her friend Shannen Doherty
July 15, 2024
Tori Spelling reacted to the death of her long-time friend and Beverly Hills, 90210 Co-Star, Shannen Doherty.
Spelling, 51, shared on social media on Sunday, July 14, that she was still processing the news. Doherty died on Saturday, July 13, at the age of 53 after a long battle with cancer.
“I don’t have words for it yet,” Spelling captioned an Instagram story that showed a selfie of Doherty with Spelling resting her head on her friend’s shoulder. “But WE knew and that’s what matters.”
Spelling, who played Donna Martin in the 1990s television series alongside Doherty, who played Brenda Walsh, also added four and a half rows of broken heart emojis to the post.
The top row of broken hearts included a splash of gold glitter.
Doherty’s publicist Leslie Sloane told We weekly in a statement on Saturday that the Charmed Alum had died.
“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 many years of battling the disease,” the statement said. “The devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones and her dog, Bowie. The family requests privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace.”
Spelling’s reaction follows that of a colleague 90210 Co-Star Jennie Garth‘s tribute to Doherty, who was first diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer in 2015.
“I am still processing my tremendous grief over the loss of my long-time friend Shannen,” Garth, 52, wrote on Instagram alongside two old photos of the women on the set of the television series. “I have often described the woman as one of the strongest people I have ever known. Our connection was real and honest. We were pitted against each other so many times, but none of that reflected the truth of our real relationship, which was based on mutual respect and admiration.”
Garth, who played Kelly Taylor in the series, continued: “She was brave, passionate, determined and very loving and generous. I will miss her and will always honor her deeply in my heart and memories. My heart breaks for her family and Bowie.”
Doherty appeared on the series from 1990 to 1994 and many other co-stars also expressed their condolences.
“I am shocked and saddened to hear of the death of my friend Shannen,” said Doherty’s acting colleague Jason Priestleywho played her brother Brandon Walsh, said on Instagram on Sunday. “She was a force of nature and I will miss her. Sending love and light to her family during this dark time.”
Brian Austin Greenwho played David Silver, also wrote on social media: “Shan. My sister… you loved me through everything. You were a big part of my understanding of love. I will miss you more than I can handle right now. Thank you for this gift.”
Gabrielle Carteriswho portrayed Andrea Zuckerman also wrote: “So young – so sad. Rest in peace Shannen. I know Luke is there with open arms to love you.”
Carteris’ contribution referred to Luke Perryanother cast member of 90210 who died of a stroke in 2019.
Doherty publicly announced her diagnosis in 2017 after years of remission. Years later, she revealed that the cancer had spread to her bones.
“I don’t want to die,” said Doherty People in November 2023. “I’m not done living. I’m not done loving. I’m not done creating. I’m not done changing things hopefully for the better.”