Holly Marie Combs broke down as she revealed that her close friend, Shannen Doherty, had big plans before her death.
Doherty, renowned for her roles in Beverly Hills, 90210, and Charmed, tragically passed away at the age of 53 on July 13, succumbing to stage IV breast cancer.
Diagnosed initially in 2015, Doherty was in remission from 2017 to 2019 after undergoing extensive treatment. However, in 2020, the cancer returned aggressively, spreading to her bones.
The actress had been open about her ongoing battle with her fans, explaining the daily struggles of living with the disease as well as undergoing continuous treatment to keep symptoms at bay.
Tragically, her battle came to an end earlier this month and since then tributes have been pouring in for the late star, especially from those who have previously worked with her.
Jason Priestley, who played Doherty’s twin brother on the hit show 90210, shared a throwback photo of the two as their characters Brandon and Brenda Walsh.
"Shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of my friend Shannen," he wrote on Instagram. "She was a force of nature and I will miss her. Sending love and light to her family in this dark time."
Carol Potter, who played the siblings' onscreen mother also remembered Doherty on social media, writing: "What a journey she has been on! Gone too soon. Throughout, she stayed true to herself and gave us an example of courage and perseverance in facing her own death. May she rest in peace."
Their Beverly Hills, 90210 costar Brian Austin Green took to Instagram with an emotional tribute of his own for his late "sister."
"Shan. My sister… You loved me through everything,” he wrote in an emotional post. “You were a big part of my understanding of love. I’ll miss you more than I know how to process right now. Thank you for the gift of you."
And of course, Holly Marie Combs, a close personal friend of the actress, took to Instagram to pen a heartfelt tribute.
"My better half of 31 years," she started. "There is a hollow in my chest and I can't seem to catch my breath. A part of me is missing even though I know exactly what you would say to me right now."
She continued: "I know exactly what you would tell me to do right now. I know your undying spirit will live in me and my kids who you loved as your own. They will walk with your sense of purpose and pride. They will be truthful and stand up for what is right. No matter what and zero f**** given. Your fire will live on in them and the many other Charmed ones you helped raise.
"A fierce fighter til the end," she added. "My most ardent champion. My loyal protector. My best friend. You taught me the meaning of family. You were and will be forevermore my sister. I love you."
Shortly after, Combs appeared on the infamous House of Halliwell podcast where she told hosts Brian Krause and Drew Fuller that she and Doherty had "big plans."
"I think she did as much as she could in the time that she had, but we did think we had more time," she said, clearly emotional. "That’s the really sad part. We had big, big plans for this year. She didn’t think she was going anywhere anytime soon.
"It sounds terribly cliché... until it happens to you, you always think you have more time," the 50-year-old added through sobs. "Life changes on a dime."
Combs stood by her friend throughout her entire decade-long health battle, and the pair often shared posts acknowledging their friendship.
Just two days ago, the Pretty Little Liars alum also posted a follow-up tribute post in which she revealed that Doherty told her that she would "haunt" the actress.
"It's been one week and it feels like forever," she wrote alongside a video montage of throwback photos of the pair. "I spent all day looking for one particular picture and found just about every picture but that one."
"Shannen promised to haunt me but I thought she'd be occupied with a few others at first," she continued, before adding: "Alas I'm sure it will show up when and where I least expect it. My rock."
