April 12 was Shannen Doherty’s 54th birthday. Her friends and loved ones came together to celebrate her life and legacy, remembering the grace with which she fought her years-long fight with stage 4 breast cancer until her death in July of 2024. Her publicist, Liz Rosenberg, confirmed her death. Those who were inspired by her tenacity and fight during her multi-year health battle will feel a tremendous void.
Doherty, whose cancer eventually metastasized to her bones, was a true warrior determined to live her life to the fullest. When asked about her future direction in November 2023, she defiantly stated, “I’m not done living.” Her fierce resolve resonated with her costars, Rose McGowan and Sarah Michelle Gellar. They both celebrated the beloved star’s legacy by posting moving tributes on social media that day.
In their emotional tributes, McGowan and Gellar remembered their deep connection with Doherty and the rituals they practiced together. The trio had spent many birthdays together, sometimes celebrating with themes, songs and friendship.
“For as long as I can remember, we have celebrated our birthdays together @theshando,” – Sarah Michelle Gellar
Gellar spoke to that feeling of loss, while reassuring all that she remains committed to keeping their legacy going forward even without Doherty by her side. She has great memories from last year’s celebration. Little did they all know that would be their last birthday party as a trio.
“This year I will keep that tradition, and celebrate you. I am so glad we were all together on this day last year, not knowing it would be the last like this. Happy Birthday Shannen. 🕊️.” – Sarah Michelle Gellar
Actress Rose McGowan, another of Doherty’s close friends, agreed when she wrote something similar in her tribute. She paid tribute to Doherty’s fierce spirit and her own deep love for him.
“You are missed, you are loved @theshando.” – Rose McGowan
McGowan considered the emotional impact of Doherty’s death. She accepted that her pain is simply a reflection of the love they cultivated.
“I keep reminding myself it only hurts this much because there was so much love,” – Rose McGowan
The tributes included throwback photos and videos highlighting their joyful moments together, showcasing the bond they had cultivated over the years. Gellar and McGowan to draw attention to Doherty’s courageous fight with cancer. Molly, for her part, said that the opportunity to have a relationship with her mother as an adult was the “greatest beauty.”
“Getting to really know her later in life, a beautiful gift. This woman fought to live,” – Rose McGowan
Doherty died in July 2024, surprising many. Her courage during her entire battle with cancer had touched so many lives. Friends shared that she spent her last days with family, friends, and her cherished doggo, Bowie, by her side. This painful scene in her final days only serves to illustrate the incredible and fiercely loyal community she fostered in her lifetime.
Friends and family continue to keep Shannen Doherty’s memory alive, especially on her birthday. Here, they open up about their tragedy while honoring the happiness she filled their lives with. Her legacy lives on through the memories shared and the love expressed by those who were fortunate enough to know her.