Shannen Doherty, a beloved actress known for her roles in “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Charmed,” was always outspoken about her beliefs and preferences, including her wishes for her own funeral. Despite her once-close relationships with some co-stars, time and circumstances created distances that influenced her final wishes regarding who she wanted to be present at her funeral.
Doherty’s candid nature was evident throughout her life and career. She was never one to shy away from expressing her opinions, which sometimes led to well-known disagreements with co-stars Jennie Garth from “Beverly Hills, 90210” and Alyssa Milano from “Charmed.” According to sources involved in planning her funeral, these two actresses will not be invited to pay their final respects.
In an episode of her podcast, “Let’s Be Clear,” Doherty shared her thoughts about her funeral, expressing that she wanted it to be a sincere event, free of individuals who did not genuinely care for her. “There’s a lot of people that I think would show up that I don’t want there.

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, you know, they have their reasons and good for them, but they don’t actually really like me enough to show up to my funeral,” Doherty said in a January episode of her podcast.
Doherty’s remarks highlighted her desire for authenticity and genuine affection at her funeral. She emphasized that she did not want people attending out of a sense of obligation or political correctness.
“They’ll show up because it’s the politically correct thing to do, and they don’t want to look bad, so I kinda want to take the pressure off them and I want my funeral to be like a love fest … I don’t want people to be crying or people to privately be like, ‘Thank God that bitch is dead now’,” she explained.
Her podcast provided a platform for Doherty to openly discuss her battle with cancer and her thoughts on death. Since her initial diagnosis in 2015, Doherty faced a relentless struggle with the disease.
After initially conquering cancer in 2017, she was devastated to learn in 2019 that it had returned and spread to other parts of her body. By 2023, the cancer had reached her bones, placing her in the late stages of the illness.
Doherty’s journey through cancer was marked by courage and resilience. She often used her platform to share her experiences and raise awareness about the disease. Her podcast, “Let’s Be Clear,” became a space for her to speak openly about her illness, her fears, and her hopes. It also allowed her to connect with her fans and supporters on a deeply personal level.
Throughout her life, Doherty’s relationships with her co-stars were a topic of public interest. Her feuds with Jennie Garth and Alyssa Milano were well-documented, and while they may have worked through some of their differences over the years, the lingering tensions were enough for Doherty to make a firm decision about their presence at her funeral. She wanted her farewell to be attended by those who truly cared for her, rather than those who felt compelled to attend out of societal expectations.
The actress’s battle with cancer was a significant part of her later years. She fought bravely, undergoing treatments and sharing updates with her fans. Her openness about her health struggles was both inspiring and heartbreaking, as she candidly discussed the challenges she faced and the reality of her prognosis.
In her final months, Doherty continued to focus on living her life to the fullest, cherishing moments with loved ones and advocating for cancer awareness. She remained active on social media, sharing glimpses of her life and expressing gratitude for the support she received from fans and friends alike.
As her health declined, Doherty’s thoughts naturally turned to her legacy and how she wanted to be remembered. Her desire for a heartfelt, genuine farewell was a reflection of her character – someone who valued honesty, love, and authenticity. She wanted her funeral to be a celebration of her life, attended by those who had a true connection with her.
In the end, Shannen Doherty’s story is one of strength, resilience, and unwavering authenticity. Her legacy extends beyond her roles on television, encompassing her advocacy for cancer awareness and her openness about her personal struggles. As she faced the final chapter of her life, she did so with the same courage and determination that characterized her entire journey.
Her wish for a genuine and heartfelt farewell stands as a testament to the values she held dear, ensuring that her memory will be cherished by those who truly loved and respected her.
