The final moments of Shannen Doherty‘s life have been recounted by her oncologist, Dr. Lawrence D. Piro. Piro, 68, treated the beloved actress at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and formed a close bond with her. He was by her side as she breathed her last on July 13, 2024, at the age of 53.
In an emotional interview, Piro described the somber yet beautiful scene of Doherty’s final hours. He recalled how she was surrounded by a select group of close friends, comfortable and sleeping peacefully as she transitioned. Despite the sadness, the room was filled with love and support for Doherty, who fought valiantly until the very end.
Just a month before her passing, Doherty shared a tearful update on her “Let’s Be Clear” podcast, revealing the difficult decision to undergo another round of chemotherapy for stage-4 breast cancer. It wrecked her to think about going through it all again.
Doherty, a native of Memphis, born in April 1971, began her career as a child star on “Little House on the Prairie.” She went on to star in the dark comedy “Heathers,” solidifying her place in the industry. Her fame continued to soar, and she became a household name.
Piro revealed that Doherty fought until the very end, even as her options became limited. Their last conversation reflected her unwavering spirit and determination to keep fighting, despite the emotional challenges she faced in her personal life. Her marriage to Kurt Iswarienko was deteriorating, and she filed for divorce just a day before her death.
Doherty’s resilience and positive attitude inspired those around her. Even in the face of emotional challenges, she remained dedicated to her treatment and fought with all her might. Her journey with cancer began in 2015, and after two years of chemotherapy, she entered remission. Unfortunately, the cancer returned in 2020, and by 2023, it had spread to her bones.
Shannen Doherty’s story is a testament to her strength and courage. Her legacy will forever be remembered, and her impact on those who knew and loved her will endure.