Shannen Doherty wanted her remains to be ‘mixed’ with her dog and dad’s ashes after death

Months before her death, Shannen Doherty revealed exactly how she wanted her remains to be handled.

The actress said on her “Let’s Be Clear” podcast in January that she wished for her ashes “to be mixed with” her dog and her father’s ashes when her time came.

“Like, really mix it up so it’s a healthy mixture of my father, me and Bowie,” she said, adding, “I do not want to be buried. I want to be cremated.”

Doherty also gave her friend and episode guest host, Chris Cortazzo, permission to wear some of her ashes around his neck, as she did with her dad’s ashes following his death in 2010.

Shannen Doherty revealed on her “Let’s Be Clear” podcast in January that she wanted her ashes to be mixed with her dad and her dog’s ashes. Getty Images for Hallmark Channel “I do not want to be buried. I want to be cremated,” she said. Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Cortazzo was one of the last people to be publicly photographed with Doherty before her death on Saturday.

They appeared to be in high spirits when they were spotted together in Malibu, Calif., in June while leaving Kristy’s waterfront restaurant with another companion.

The “Charmed” alum died at the age of 53 after a long battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family and beloved dog when she passed.

Doherty died on Saturday at the age of 53. Instagram / @theshando She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. shannendoherty/Instagram

Doherty was candid with fans about her cancer journey over the years, telling attendees at 90s Con in September 2023 that she was fighting for her life “every day.”

By then, her breast cancer had metastasized to her brain.

She later revealed in November that it had spread to her bones.

“I think I would be afraid of death if I wasn’t a good person, but I am,” she told People at the time. “I’m not afraid of dying, I just don’t want to die, like, ever.”

After her cancer went into remission, the actress revealed in 2019 that it had returned at stage 4. Shannen Doherty/Instagram Last year, she said it metastasized to her brain and bones. Instagram / @theshando

She continued, “I’m not done with living, I’m not done with loving, I’m not done with creating, I’m not done with, hopefully, changing things for the better. I’m just not done.”

However, by April, she revealed she was going through her belongings — and even moving out of her Tennessee home — to prepare for her death and make matters easier for her mom.

But, just weeks before she passed, Doherty remained “hopeful” on her podcast about new treatment options.

Earlier this year, Doherty said she was preparing for death by going through her belongings. Getty Images However, in June, she remained “hopeful” about her ongoing chemotherapy treatments. REUTERS

Following her death, the actress was remembered by fans and friends alike, including several of her “Beverly Hills, 90210” co-stars.

“She was a force of nature and I will miss her. Sending love and light to her family in this dark time,” Jason Priestley, who played Doherty’s twin brother on the hit series, wrote via Instagram.

“You were a big part of my understanding of love. I’ll miss you more than I know how to process right now. Thank you for the gift of you,” Brian Austin Green also posted on his account.

Many of her “Beverly Hills, 90210” co-stars remembered her fondly following the news of her death. ©Paramount Television / Everett Collection Her former “Charmed” co-star Alyssa Milano — whom she publicly feuded with — also shared a tribute. Warner Bros/Everett/Shutterstock

Even Doherty’s former “Charmed” co-star Alyssa Milano remembered her in a tribute despite their past public feud.

“It’s no secret that Shannen and I had a complicated relationship, but at its core was someone I deeply respected and was in awe of,” Milano said in a statement to Page Six Sunday.

“She was a talented actress, beloved by many, and the world is less without her.”