Holly Marie Combs paid a heartfelt tribute to her late “Charmed” co-star Shannen Doherty on Monday, following Doherty’s death on Saturday.
The 50-year-old actor shared a post on Instagram calling Doherty “my 31-year-old soulmate.”
“I feel a hole in my chest and I can’t catch my breath. A part of me is missing, even though I know exactly what you would tell me right now,” Combs wrote. “I know your immortal spirit will live on in me and my children, whom you loved as if they were your own. They will walk with your sense of purpose and pride… No matter what happens and I don’t care at all. Your fire will live on in them and the many other Charmeds you helped raise.”
Doherty, best known for her role as Brenda Walsh on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” died after battling breast cancer for many years. The actress publicly announced her diagnosis in 2015, and revealed in a lawsuit against her former management firm that her health insurance had lapsed in 2014, affecting her ability to access timely treatment.
Combs and Doherty played sisters Piper and Prue Halliwell, respectively, on the popular television series “Charmed,” which aired from 1998 to 2006. The show also featured Alyssa Milano as Phoebe Halliwell, the third sister. Their on-screen chemistry translated into a strong off-screen bond that Combs highlighted.
“A fierce fighter to the very end. My most ardent defender. My loyal protector. My best friend,” she wrote. “You taught me the meaning of family. You were and will forever be my sister. I love you.”
Rose McGowan chimed in with a comment directed at Combs: “Your true love is forever,” McGowan wrote. “Deep, real, challenging, unique, silly, wild, tender and tough… to see you together is to know that love exists. I am so sorry your best friend had to go. We all carry you in our hearts, dear Holly. You are loved.”
Fellow actress and close friend Sarah Michelle Gellar also honored Doherty with a tribute on Facebook reflecting on their three-decade friendship.
“I keep reminding myself that it only hurts so much because there was so much love,” the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star wrote. “More than anything, Shan loves animals, especially dogs. In her memory, let’s support our favorite animal charities. Whether it’s donating money, stopping by the local shelter and just offering hugs and walks to the animals housed there, or even just tagging them in the comments so other people can learn about their work. I know that would make our little girl (and dog) happy.” [elicit] “that deep, guttural laugh we all loved.”
Prior to her death, Doherty had signed on to join Combs and former “Charmed” co-stars Drew Fuller and Brian Krause for a rewatch podcast titled “The House of Halliwell: A Charmed Rewatch Podcast.” The first episode dropped on July 8 and touched on a potential reboot and how Prue’s character could be involved. The description for the second episode, “Shannen’s Magic Lives On,” revealed that five episodes had been recorded with Doherty before her death.
“This show, this character, this podcast meant so much to Shannen and she couldn’t wait to share it with Charmed fans everywhere,” the description read. “We want to honor her memory and honor Shannen’s wishes by streaming the first five episodes she recorded before her passing.”
