Los Angeles, California – Actress Shannen Doherty is opening up about her thoughts on death and her funeral plans. Doherty, known for her roles in shows like “Beverly Hills, 90210,” has been battling stage 4 breast cancer that has metastasized to her brain and bones. In a recent episode of her podcast, she discussed how these circumstances have forced her to confront her mortality and make preparations for her funeral.
Doherty revealed that she was prompted to think about her funeral when she was preparing for brain surgery in January. Faced with the possibility of not surviving the operation, she made sure her will was in order and clearly laid out her wishes. She even designated her best friend, real estate agent Chris Cortazzo, as the executor of her will.
During their conversation, Doherty admitted that she has a list of people she doesn’t want at her funeral. While she didn’t name specific individuals, she explained that there are people who may show up out of obligation or for appearances, rather than genuine affection or respect. She wants to relieve them of that pressure and ensure that her funeral is attended only by those who truly cared about her.
However, Doherty also made it clear that she welcomes her fans at her funeral. She expressed her gratitude for their support throughout her life and career and sees them as a different category altogether. She wants her funeral to be a love-filled celebration rather than a somber occasion.
In addition to discussing her guest list, Doherty also touched on other aspects of her funeral plans. She spoke about her desire to be cremated and have her ashes mixed with those of her late dog and her father. By sharing these details, she hopes to have an open and even humorous conversation about death, seeing it as a way to lighten the mood and find comfort in dire circumstances.
Despite the gravity of these discussions, Doherty believes that talking openly about death can be reassuring and even humorous. She acknowledged that some may find it morbid or unusual, but for her, it provides a sense of reassurance and allows her to approach difficult situations with a touch of humor.
Doherty’s candid conversation about her funeral plans has sparked conversations about the importance of discussing death and making preparations while still able to do so. By sharing her own experiences and wishes, she hopes to encourage others to have these conversations and ensure their final wishes are honored.
As Doherty continues to battle cancer, she remains hopeful for a cure and is determined to live for another three to five years. She is committed to raising awareness about the disease and advocating for advancements in cancer research.