Tori Spelling Remembers Late Friend & Onetime-Rival Shannen Doherty After Her Death From Cancer

Tori Spelling shared her emotional reaction to learning of fellow Beverly Hills, 90210 star Shannen Doherty’s death on a recent episode of her podcast misSPELLING.

Spelling, 51, recounted waking up to numerous phone notifications on July 14, which led her to discover Doherty had passed away the previous night. The news left her shocked and saddened.

“Shannen was a beacon of hope for so many people facing difficult health challenges,” Spelling said. “She inspired countless individuals to keep fighting, even when they felt they couldn’t go on.”

Doherty, who died at 53 after a battle with breast cancer, was known for her advocacy work and continued acting career despite her diagnosis.

Spelling reminisced about her first encounter with Doherty on the 90210 set when she was 15. She described Doherty as welcoming and supportive, immediately taking her under her wing.

While their relationship had its ups and downs over the years, Spelling emphasized that they eventually reconciled and rediscovered their core friendship.

“We realized how silly our past misunderstandings were,” Spelling explained. “What truly mattered was the bond we shared.”

Spelling praised Doherty’s resilience and strength, calling her a trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry. “Shannen was unapologetically herself in an era when many women felt pressure to conform,” she said.

Throughout her cancer journey, Doherty remained active in her career and used her platform to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. She hosted a podcast called Let’s Be Clear, discussing her experiences in Hollywood and her health struggles.

In a heartfelt social media tribute, Spelling described Doherty as a loyal friend and confidante who always had her back. She highlighted Doherty’s unwavering support and belief in her, even during times of self-doubt.

Spelling has been in the news frequently in the last year. Recently, she fought back against reports that she trashed her $15,000 monthly rental home.