Shannen Doherty had specific plans for her funeral before she died. The Beverly Hills 90210 actress succumbed to her battle with cancer on Sunday, July 13. She was 53 years old. Following her painful demise, Doherty’s final wishes have come to light. The Hollywood star wished to be sent forth in style.
In a January episode of her Let’s Be Clear podcast, the late actress opened up about her desired burial arrangements. Doherty didn’t want to be buried but cremated. “I want [my remains] to be mixed with my dog, and I want it to be mixed with my dad. I do not want to be buried and not cremated,” she detailed. The House on the Prairie alum expressed that her ashes be spread in Malibu, California, a city where she and her late father shared “precious” memories. She also wanted her loved ones to use her remains as fertilizer and grow a tree in her honor. Doherty’s father, John Thomas, also passed away from cancer in 2010 at 66.
Although the late star knew her funeral would be a celebration of her life, she hoped for a more intimate ceremony. The Tennesse native was vocal about certain people not attending her funeral.
“There’s a lot of people that I think would show up that I don’t want there. I don’t want them there because their reasons for showing up aren’t necessarily the best reasons.”
Shannen Doherty
She explained that some individuals, probably in the entertainment industry, would only attend her funeral because it’s “politically correct” and not because they care for her. Doherty wants a funeral filled with affection.
“I want my funeral to be like a love fest. I don’t want people to be crying or people to privately be like Thank God that b*tch is dead now.”
Shannen Doherty Died Surrounded By Loved Ones
Doherty’s publicist, Leslie Sloane, confirmed her unfortunate passing via a heartfelt statement. “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 fighting the disease,” it read. “The devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie.”
Shannen Doherty’s battle with breast cancer dates back to 2015, when she was first diagnosed. Although she defeated it, it returned in 2019. In 2020, she began living with metastatic stage 4 cancer. Doherty was often open about her health struggles, but she will be fondly remembered for the warmth she brought to fans’ hearts.
