Holly Marie Combs Says There’s a “Hollow in My Chest” After Shannen Doherty’s Death: “My Better Half of 31 Years”
Holly Marie Combs is paying tribute to her former Charmed co-star and longtime friend Shannen Doherty.
Taking to Instagram on Monday, the actress remembered Doherty who she described as her “better half.”
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“My better half of 31 years. There is a hollow in my chest and I can’t seem to catch my breath. A part of me is missing even though I know exactly what you would say to me right now. I know exactly what you would tell me to do right now. I know your undying spirit will live in me and my kids who you loved as your own. They will walk with your sense of purpose and pride. They will be truthful and stand up for what is right. No matter what and zero fucks given. Your fire will live on in them and the many other Charmed ones you helped raise.”
Combs continued, “A fierce fighter til the end. My most ardent champion. My loyal protector. My best friend. You taught me the meaning of family. You were and will be forevermore my sister. I love you.”
Doherty died on July 13 after her long battle with breast cancer at the age of 53. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2015. In the weeks prior to her death, Doherty had opened up about feeling “hopeful” amid a new round of chemotherapy.
In the last episode of Doherty’s Let’s Be Clear podcast — released on Monday, July 8, before her passing — the Charmed alum had welcomed Combs as they announced that she was joining The House of Halliwell, the Charmed rewatch podcast hosted by Combs, Brian Krause and Drew Fuller. The rewatch podcast, first launched in 2022, had went on a hiatus last October. The podcast was then set to be rebooted with Doherty joining.
After Doherty died, the podcast paid tribute to the actress in a new episode released on July 14. Krause gave an emotional introduction to the episode.
“I know all of us here at the House of Halliwell, iHeartmedia, social media, all over the world are shocked, devastated. Too young, too talented, too loving, too grateful, too early. Shannen will dearly be missed and we are so honored that she had come on with us, or, had us along with her on this new incantation of the House of Halliwell,” he said.
Krause revealed that prior to Doherty’s death, she had recorded episodes of the podcast with them: “We were lucky enough to record four episodes in the last week or so, and Shannen was just so motivated and determined to help make this show a success and give all of you more insight into what it was in the making and the fun and the behind-the-scenes of Charmed.”
He shared he along with Combs and Fuller will continue the rewatch podcast to “honor” Doherty.
“We are going to continue on in her name, and kick freaking ass, because that’s what she would do. So from us at the House of Halliwell — we love you and we thank you and please keep Shannen in your prayers.”
Combs was among Doherty’s former co-stars and friends who remembered the actress after news of her death. The Beverly Hills, 91020 cast, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Olivia Munn, Rose McGowan and Alyssa Milano were some of the stars who penned tribute on social media.
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