Additional Coverage:
- Tori Spelling’s Emotional Reaction to Death of Friend Shannen Doherty: ‘I Don’t Have Outward Words Yet’ (newsbreak.com)
Tori Spelling expressed her grief over the passing of Shannen Doherty, her close friend and fellow star from “Beverly Hills, 90210.” On July 14th, Spelling revealed on social media that she was still coming to terms with Doherty’s death, which occurred on July 13th after a long fight with cancer at age 53.
Spelling shared an Instagram Story featuring a picture of her and Doherty, conveying her speechlessness and emotional state with the caption: “I don’t have outward independent words yet,” adding, “But WE knew and that’s what matters,” accompanied by several rows of broken heart emojis, the first decorated with golden sparkles.
Shannen Doherty’s publicist, Leslie Sloane, confirmed her death to ‘Us Weekly,’ detailing that Doherty had succumbed to cancer after a prolonged battle. The statement explained that Doherty was surrounded by her immediate family and her beloved dog, Bowie, at the time of her passing, with the family requesting privacy to mourn.
Spelling’s response came alongside tributes from other ‘90210’ cast members. Jennie Garth described Doherty, who was first diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer in 2015, as one of the strongest people she knew. She reminisced about their genuine and respectful relationship off-screen, contrary to the rivalrous narratives often portrayed.
Additional tributes flowed from many of Doherty’s former castmates. Jason Priestley called her a “force of nature” and expressed his sorrow over her passing. Brian Austin Green remembered her as a loving sister figure, and Gabrielle Carteris sent a poignant farewell, hinting at a celestial reunion with another late ‘90210’ star, Luke Perry.
Doherty, who was a part of the series from 1990 until 1994, had been open about her cancer journey since her public announcement in 2017. After a period of remission, she revealed years later that the cancer had metastasized to her bones, expressing a fierce desire to continue living and influencing for the better despite her diagnosis.