Holly Marie Combs is honoring her former “Charmed” co-star and close friend Shannen Doherty, who recently passed away.
In an emotional Instagram post on Monday, Combs shared a heartfelt tribute to Doherty, calling her “my better half.”
“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 cares given. Your fire will live on in them and the many other Charmed ones you helped raise,” Combs wrote.
She continued, “A fierce fighter till 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 passed away on July 13 after a long battle with breast cancer at the age of 53. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2015 and had been open about her treatment journey, expressing hope even amid a new round of chemotherapy in recent weeks.
In the final episode of Doherty’s “Let’s Be Clear” podcast, released on July 8 before her passing, she welcomed Combs and announced she would join “The House of Halliwell,” the “Charmed” rewatch podcast hosted by Combs, Brian Krause, and Drew Fuller. The podcast, initially launched in 2022, had been on hiatus since October but was set to relaunch with Doherty as a new participant.
Following Doherty’s death, the podcast released a special tribute episode on July 14. Krause gave a moving introduction, saying, “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 incarnation of the House of Halliwell.”
Krause revealed that prior to her death, Doherty had recorded several podcast episodes 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 added that he, Combs, and Fuller will continue the podcast to honor Doherty’s memory. “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 many of Doherty’s friends and colleagues who paid tribute to her after her passing. Tributes also came from her “Beverly Hills, 90210” cast, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Olivia Munn, Rose McGowan, and Alyssa Milano.