Ashley Hamilton, Shannen Doherty’s ex-husband, gave her a heartfelt tribute following the death of the actress. He said even though their marriage was brief, he referred to Doherty as his “guardian angel,” describing how she helped him through difficult times. Doherty died on July 13 at the age of 53 after fighting breast cancer for almost ten years.
He said that many people were inspired by her tough battle against that horrible illness, but I was particularly moved by it because I have personally survived cancer. One more heartbreaking reminder of how fleeting life is. I regret not reaching out to her throughout her valiant struggle, choosing to give her space and kindness instead.
In an interview with TMZ, he stated: “Shannen was not only my wife, she was my guardian angel. Even though things don’t always work out the way we hope they will, she stood by my side during some of my darkest times.”
He went on, expressing a love that will last beyond their brief union: “My love and admiration for her lasted far longer than our short-lived marriage.”
Hamilton, who wed Doherty from 1993 to 1994, said that his feelings of “love and admiration” for her persisted even after their divorce.
After exchanging vows in September 1993, Doherty and Hamilton’s marriage came to an abrupt end when she filed for divorce seven months later. In a January episode of her podcast “Let’s Be Clear,” the late 53-year-old television star talked candidly about her tumultuous marriage.
She clarified that one of the reasons she was sacked from Beverly Hills, 90210 in Season 4 was her turbulent marriage. “It was very difficult for me to consistently be on time for work because of things that were going on in that marriage,” she said to her co-star Jason Priestley.
Many of Doherty’s followers were won over by her honesty about her hardships, and they valued her for her strength and fortitude. She demonstrated strength and character by facing and sharing her vulnerabilities.
Shannen was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time in 2015, and she has been in remission since 2017. However, as she courageously revealed in 2023, the illness made a devastating return three years later, spreading to her brain and bones.
The tragic news was disclosed to People magazine by Leslie Sloane, the publicist for the Beverly Hills, 90210 star, who stated,
“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease.”
According to Leslie Sloane, Doherty died with her loved ones by her side.
“The devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie. The family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace.”
