Tori Spelling Reflects on Learning About Shannen Doherty’s Death

Tori Spelling recently opened up about the devastating moment she learned of her former co-star and close friend Shannen Doherty’s passing. During the July 28 episode of her podcast, ‘misSPELLING,’ Spelling shared that she received the tragic news on the morning of July 14, as her phone repeatedly buzzed with alerts.

“I knew immediately,” Spelling recounted, reflecting on the eerie feeling that something significant had happened. Upon checking her phone, she discovered the heartbreaking news that Doherty had passed away from cancer the previous night. “It was shocking,” she said, describing her reaction to the loss.

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Doherty, known for her role on ‘Beverly Hills, 90210,’ was a source of inspiration for many, particularly those battling cancer or other serious illnesses. Spelling praised her friend for her strength and influence, noting how Doherty’s resilience provided others with “inspiration and power to carry on in the moments when they felt they couldn’t.” Spelling expressed gratitude for witnessing Doherty’s positive impact on others first-hand.

Reflecting on their relationship, Spelling reminisced about meeting Doherty when they were both just 15 while filming the pilot for ‘Beverly Hills, 90210.’ Despite a period of estrangement, the two eventually reconciled, rekindling their friendship. Spelling described Doherty as a beacon of light and emphasised that her legacy would live on through her work and the people who loved her.

Doherty’s battle with cancer began in 2015, and although she announced remission in 2017, the disease returned in 2020 at a metastatic stage. Despite her illness, Doherty continued to work on various projects, including her podcast ‘Let’s Be Clear.’

Two days after Doherty’s passing, Spelling honoured her friend’s memory on Instagram. She called Doherty a trailblazer who stood strong at a time when many women felt they couldn’t. Spelling noted that Doherty’s rebellious spirit wasn’t intentional but rather a natural aspect of who she was.