“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,” said Leslie Sloane, Doherty’s longtime publicist.
“The devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie. The family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace,” Sloane continued in her statement.
The star was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and has been open about her health struggles over the years. Doherty shared how her dog Bowie had an uncanny intuition about her health issues before she was diagnosed. Bowie would obsessively sniff her right side, where the cancer was later discovered, signaling an early warning that something was amiss.
Through her treatments, including surgery and chemotherapy, Bowie’s behavior shifted to become even more protective. Doherty described her dog’s presence as “crazy protective,” a testament to their deep bond.
Doherty’s courage and transparency about her diagnosis inspired many. Her passing marks a significant loss in the entertainment community, remembered for her roles on screen and her resilience and spirit in the face of adversity.
