Shannen Doherty, the brave actress known for her role in “Beverly Hills, 90210,” has been open and honest about her stage 4 cancer journey. In a recent interview, she shared her thoughts on how she wants her memorial service to be a celebration of her life rather than a sad occasion. Let’s dive deeper into her unique perspective.

Accepting the reality of an illness that slowly takes its toll on the body is no easy task. However, Shannen Doherty has found the strength within herself to come to terms with her stage 4 cancer diagnosis and share her journey with the public.

In a heartfelt conversation, she shared her desire for her funeral to be a joyous event, filled with love and celebration. Instead of a somber occasion to mourn her passing, Shannen envisions it as a time for her loved ones to come together and remember the joy, laughter, and happiness she brought into their lives.

Shannen Doherty looking radiant at the Hollywood Unites For The 5th Biennial Stand Up To Cancer event on September 9, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Shannen Doherty attending the “BH90210” Press Conference at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, California on August 08, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

With an infectious spirit, Shannen expressed her wish to have her memorial service held in her home, transformed into a lively gathering resembling a joyous party. She firmly believes that this is a time to honor the beautiful moments shared throughout her life, rather than dwell on the sorrows of her passing.

Shannen also discussed her preference for cremation, acknowledging the morbid nature of the topic. She expressed a desire to have her ashes mixed with those of her beloved dog and her late father, creating a lasting bond even in eternity.

Shannen Doherty attending the Farrah Fawcett Foundation’s event honoring Stand Up To Cancer on September 9, 2017, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Shannen Doherty at the Farrah Fawcett Foundation’s Tex-Mex Fiesta on September 6, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Shannen’s battle with cancer began in 2015 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent rigorous treatments, including a mastectomy, and achieved remission after two years. Unfortunately, her cancer returned in 2019, this time in the form of metastatic stage 4 cancer. Despite the challenges she faces, Shannen remains determined to cherish each day and give back to the world.

Shannen Doherty making an appearance on season 3 of “The Kelly Clarkson Show” on September 8, 2021. | Source: Getty Images

Shannen Doherty and Kurt Iswarienko attending the Hollywood Unites for the 5th Biennial Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) event at Walt Disney Concert Hall on September 9, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

In spite of the hardships she endures, Shannen Doherty believes in the power of prayer and gratitude. She starts and ends each day by thanking God and praying for the things that truly matter to her, without asking for too much. This positive mindset allows her to find strength and appreciate the beauty in life, even during her toughest moments.

Previously, Shannen shared her belief that the fertility treatments she underwent to become a mother may have contributed to her cancer. She speculates that the challenges of IVF treatment might have increased the chances of the illness returning.

Shannen Doherty’s journey is an inspiring testament to the human spirit. Her desire to celebrate life, even in the face of adversity, serves as a reminder to us all that every moment is precious. Let’s join Shannen in embracing the joy, love, and laughter that come with a life well-lived, and let her courage inspire us to cherish each and every day.

Shannen Doherty admits there are ‘a lot of people’ she does not want at her funeral

American actor Shannen Doherty has admitted there are “a lot of people” she does not want at her funeral, as she opened up about her ongoing battle with cancer.

The 52-year-old Charmed and 90210 star announced her cancer diagnosis in 2015. She then went into remission in 2017, but in February 2020 Doherty revealed her breast cancer had returned to stage four and later said that it had spread to her bones.

Now, in her most recent podcast episode on “Let’s Be Clear,” Doherty candidly shared her feelings about who she wants and doesn’t want at her funeral.

She admitted there were “a lot of people” she didn’t want at her send-off. “There’s a lot of people that I think would show up that I don’t want there,” she told her best friend and executor of her will Chris Cortazzo.

Speaking to Cortazzo, the Beverly Hills actor said she believes some may not attend her funeral out of genuine affection but may show up for the wrong reasons.

“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 they have their reasons, and good for them — but they don’t actually really like me enough to show up to my funeral,” she told Cortazzo.

Doherty continued: “But they will… because it’s the politically correct thing to do, and they don’t want to look bad.”

The actor hoped her statement would “take the pressure” off people attending her funeral.

Detailing her list and the ceremony, Doherty said she does not want people “to be crying or people to privately be like, ‘Thank God that bitch is dead now’.” When asked by Cortazzo if he’d be invited, she joked: “That’s the shorter — that’s the better list. I can’t give you a list of who I don’t want because that’s way too long.”

Doherty went on to say she “abhor[s] fakeness” and “can’t stand” people who “pretend that they “found Jesus” and claim to be “so sorry” for “anything bad that they said about you”.

“I’m like, ‘No, no, no. I know you’re still the exact same petty human being. Don’t. Just stay away from me. We’re good’,” she continued.

The Little House on the Prairie star also shared her plans for her remains. “This is such a morbid conversation, but it’s also so fun. I want [my remains] to be mixed with my dog and I want it to be mixed with my dad.”