Shannen Doherty Openly Shared About Her Condition and Admitted That She Is Planning Her Funeral

The 52-year-old star of Beverly Hills 90210 and Charmed faced cancer in 2015. At that time, she managed to achieve remission, but the disease returned in a more aggressive form, affecting multiple organs. Shannen bravely battles the illness, but at times, her strength falters. She opened up about her struggles in a recent candid interview.

Doherty faced her first battle with breast cancer in 2015.

Known for her role in Beverly Hills, 90210, Doherty faced her first battle with breast cancer in 2015, opting for a mastectomy and enduring rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. The resilient actress found herself in remission by 2017.

However, in February 2020, she bravely disclosed the heartbreaking news that the disease had made a comeback, spreading to her spine. By last summer, the relentless cancer had reached her brain, leading to surgery and intensified radiation treatments.

In November, Doherty shared another update, revealing that the disease had now spread to her bones. It’s been a tough journey for the Charmed actor, and her courage in the face of adversity continues to inspire.

She locks herself in the closet to cry.

In the candid conversation with her best friend, Chris Cortazzo, she shared her vulnerability, admitting that despite her public image of strength, there are moments when she locks herself in the closet to cry and fears the process of dying.

Reflecting on her journey, Doherty expressed her desire to live longer to accomplish more and raise further funds for cancer. “I just don’t want to die too soon, because I have a lot to accomplish. That weighs heavy on my brain of like, I haven’t raised enough money for cancer,” Doherty opened up.

She had to face additional challenges as well.

Unfortunately, Shannen Doherty faced another serious setback when her 11-year marriage came to an end in April 2023. “Divorce was the last thing Shannen wanted. Unfortunately, she felt like she had no other choice.”

Doherty didn’t share anything about her divorce on social media, but there was one post on Instagram: “The only people who deserve to be in your life are the ones who treat you with love, kindness, and full respect.” Her close friends rallied behind her in support.

She’s planning her funeral.

In a touching revelation, she disclosed that when facing brain surgery, she revisited her will, appointing Cortazzo as the executor and contemplating her funeral arrangements. The actress said, “It made me start thinking about who would show up to my funeral. And there’s a lot of people that I think would show up, that I don’t want there.”

Doherty explained, “I don’t want them there because their reasons for showing up aren’t necessarily the best reasons. Like, they don’t really like me — and they have their reasons, and good for them — but they don’t actually really like me enough to show up to my funeral.” She continues, “I don’t want people to be crying or people to privately be like, ’Thank God she is dead now.’”

The guest list for her farewell gathering.

When it comes to the guest list for her farewell gathering, Doherty emphasized that the list of people she genuinely wants there is the more important one. She explained that listing those she doesn’t want is too lengthy a task. In her signature straightforward manner, she articulated her vision for the farewell as a “lovefest,” aiming to create a gathering devoid of obligatory participants who lack genuine care.

Expressing warmth, she conveyed gratitude to her dedicated fans, extending a heartfelt welcome to them for the final celebration. These are the individuals who have been steadfast supporters throughout her entire life and career, earning a special place in her heart.

Acknowledging the potentially morbid nature of their conversation, Doherty and Cortazzo found reassurance and humor in discussing these topics. For Doherty, injecting humor into dire situations is a coping mechanism she values.

We sincerely wish Shannen a speedy recovery. Just like Christina Applegate, who also battled cancer and successfully recovered, stories of triumph over such challenges can be inspiring and offer hope.