Shannen Doherty’s mother, Rosa Doherty, is dedicated to ensuring her daughter’s legacy lives on.
In the latest episode of the podcast Let’s Be Clear with Shannen Doherty, Rosa announced that she would continue the podcast following Shannen’s passing on July 13 at the age of 53, after a long battle with cancer.
“I’m going to do my best to carry this on for her because it’s what she wanted me to do,” Rosa shared during the August 15 episode titled “Let’s Be Clear…Continues.”
She humbly acknowledged, “I’m not Shannen. I could never be her, and I’m not as well-spoken as she was,” but expressed her commitment to being there for the audience, hoping they would support her as well.
Rosa also highlighted the significance of the podcast to her daughter, especially during her fight with cancer. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, Shannen announced she was in remission in April 2017.
Unfortunately, the cancer returned in 2019, and in 2020, Shannen revealed it had progressed to metastatic stage 4.
By June 2023, she disclosed that the cancer had spread to her brain, and later, in November 2023, she shared that it had also spread to her bones.
“This podcast was incredibly important to Shannen because it allowed her to tell her story and speak her truth,” Rosa explained.
“Over the years, there have been so many stories and misunderstandings. She wanted this podcast to be a space where she could connect with her supporters and share her real life.”
Rosa emphasized how much the podcast meant to Shannen, not only as a platform for storytelling but also as a source of comfort during her struggles. “It was special for her and truly needed. It helped her cope with everything she was going through,” Rosa said.
Shannen’s longtime publicist, Leslie Sloane, confirmed the actress’s death in a statement on July 14, noting that Shannen “lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease” on July 13.
In the wake of the news, Rosa issued a heartfelt statement: “She was my beautiful girl and my heart. Our family deeply appreciates everyone who has shown love and support for Shannen throughout her life.”
Shannen had previously expressed her gratitude for her mother’s strength, especially recalling how Rosa taught her resilience from a young age.
In a November 2023 interview, Shannen reflected on her mother’s determination during a challenging time when Rosa suffered a brain aneurysm when Shannen was just 8 years old.
“I come from a woman who was determined,” Shannen said. “She taught me that you don’t give up; you just have to work hard.”
Rosa, initially feeling “shy” about taking over the Let’s Be Clear podcast, reiterated her commitment to continuing her daughter’s work. “As time goes on, I know it will get better,” she said, emphasizing the importance of preserving Shannen’s legacy.
“Her legacy will be the love she gave to everyone she knew and even to those she didn’t know,” Rosa added. “I believe that’s what people are now realizing—what a wonderful, kind, and warm human being she was.”
The episode’s description echoed Rosa’s sentiments, noting that she was joined by a close friend of the late actress in the episode titled “Let’s Be Clear…Continues.”
“Shannen wanted her podcast to be a space where people could find love, laughter, and healing. Who better to fulfill Shannen’s vision than her mom, Mama Rosa,” the description read, adding that Rosa was joined by one of Shannen’s closest friends, Anne Marie Kortright.
“Together, they continue to share the appreciation and affection that Shannen offered to all of you over these past months,” the episode concluded.
