Shannen Doherty, the beloved star of “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Charmed,” passed away on July 13, 2024, at 53 after a long, courageous battle with breast cancer. As the entertainment world mourns her loss, two significant developments have emerged: her mother’s heartfelt tribute and the finalization of her posthumous divorce.
Rosa Doherty, Shannen’s mother, broke her silence on Monday in a statement to People magazine. “She is my beautiful girl and my heart,” Rosa expressed, encapsulating the profound bond between mother and daughter. She added, “Our family wants to thank everyone who has shown love and support for our Shannen throughout her life. We are truly appreciative.” This poignant statement offers a glimpse into the personal loss felt by Shannen’s family.
Doherty’s battle with cancer began in 2015, with the disease returning as stage 4 in 2020 and spreading to her bones by 2023. In her final months, Shannen made several heartbreaking decisions to ease the burden on her mother. On her podcast “Let’s Be Clear,” she revealed selling many of her possessions, stating, “My priority at the moment is my mom. I don’t want her to have a bunch of stuff to deal with.”
In a surprising turn of events, a judge signed off on Shannen’s divorce from Kurt Iswarienko on Monday, July 15, 2024, just days after her passing. The settlement details reveal a complex division of assets and rights. Shannen was awarded their marital home in Malibu, California, along with all art, furniture, and furnishings within. She received several automobiles, including a 1979 Ford Pickup Truck and two Range Rovers. A Salvador Dali painting was among the items granted to Shannen.
The actress was also granted rights to Kurt’s photography business, including half of the licensing fees from photos and videos taken during their marriage. Importantly, the settlement bars Kurt from “exploiting” Shannen’s image after her death. He must remove all photographs of Shannen from his professional websites and those of his representatives.
Financially, Kurt agreed to buy out Shannen’s interest in some assets, including paying her $100,000 for a Mooney M-20 Airplane and $10,000 for photography equipment. Kurt also waived his right to be appointed as a personal representative for Shannen’s estate or to claim any community property against her will.
The settlement outlined the sale of joint assets, including their Texas residence and a Camarillo Airport Hangar, with proceeds to be split between the parties.
Throughout her career and especially during her cancer battle, Shannen Doherty was known for her resilience and fighting spirit. In a November 2023 interview, she credited her strength to her mother: “I come from a woman who was determined. She impressed that upon me as a very young child like, ‘You don’t give up. You just have to work hard at it.'”
Shannen Doherty’s untimely death marks the end of an era for fans of ’90s television and serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing fight against cancer. Her final acts of consideration for her mother and the complexities of her posthumous divorce settlement underscore the multifaceted nature of celebrity lives, even in their twilight. As the entertainment world continues to mourn, Shannen Doherty’s legacy as a talented actress, determined fighter, and loving daughter will undoubtedly endure.
