Shannen Doherty ‘didn’t think she was dying’ until her final moments

Shannen Doherty was convinced right up until her final moments that she wasn’t going to die anytime soon, says a co-star.

Shannen Doherty was convinced she wasn’t going to die right up until her final hours alive, it’s been revealed.

Doherty died aged 53 on July 13, 2024, almost 10 years after she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. Her death came one year after she revealed the cancer had spread to her bones and brain.

In the first episode of her co-star Holly Marie Combs’ podcast, recorded after Doherty’s passing, the actress has shared a heartbreaking insight into her late pal’s state of mind before her untimely death.

Holly Marie Combs has shared some tragic insight into Shannen Doherty's state of mind when she died. Picture: Instagram.

“One of the last times I was with her we watched the first two episodes [of Charmed] like we were freaking teenagers. I think she did as much as she could in the time that she had, but she hadn’t … we did think we had more time, and that’s the sad part,” Combs told House of Halliwell podcast hosts Brian Krause and Drew Fuller through tears.

“We had big, big plans this year. She didn’t think she was going anywhere anytime soon. It sounds terribly cliché, until it happens to you, you always think you have more time,” a sobbing Combs, 50, continued. “Life changes on a dime.”

Following her death, stars including Sarah Michelle Gellar came out to pay their respects with touching tributes on social media.

“How do you possibly find the right words to sum up 30 years of friendship? I keep reminding myself it only hurts this much because there was so much love,” Gellar wrote on Instagram along with a collection of candid photos of the pair together over the years.

Shannen Doherty and Holly Marie Combs had been close most of their adult lives. Picture: Imeh Akpanudosen / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA.

Gellar also suggested a way to honour Doherty’s memory: “More than anything, Shan loves animals, especially dogs. In her memory let’s support our favourite animal charities,” she offered.

“Whether that’s donating money, stopping by your local shelter and just offering cuddles and walks to animals housed there or even just tagging them in the comments so other people can learn about their work. I know that would make our girl happy (and illicit that deep throaty laugh we all loved).”

In another moving statement, Combs called her on-screen sister her “better half of 31 years”.

“There is a hollow in my chest and I can’t seem to catch my breath. 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 tell me to do right now. I know your undying spirit will live in me and my kids who you loved as your own. They will walk with your sense of purpose and pride. They will be truthful and stand up for what is right,” she wrote.