Sarah Michelle Gellar penned an emotional tribute to her longtime friend, Shannen Doherty, following her death on Saturday.
On Sunday, the Cruel Intentions star took to Instagram to remember the Beverly Hills 90210 actress, whom she had been friends with for over 30 years.
"How do you possibly find the right words to sum up 30 years of friendship? I keep reminding myself it only hurts this much because, there was so much love," 47-year-old actress wrote alongside a series of photos. "Thank you, for all your kind words and support. I love all the messages about how @theshando was important to you. So let’s honor her."
The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star went on to share that people who want to honor Doherty can do so by celebrating her love of animals, especially dogs.
Sarah Michelle Gellar remembers Shannen Doherty in touching tribute.
"More than anything, Shan loves animals, especially dogs," she continued. "In her memory let’s support our favorite animal charities. Whether that’s donating money, stopping by your local shelter and just offering cuddles and walks to animals housed there or even just tagging them in the comments so other people can learn about their work. I know that would make our girl happy (and illicit that deep throaty laugh we all loved) 💔 💔💔."
Gellar's carousel of photos included pictures of her and Doherty from over the years at events, at home, horseback riding and outdoors.
Gellar and Doherty put their longtime friendship on display in 2020 when they did a joint interview with ET. At the time, Doherty dished about the support she received from her friend, who asked questions and showed up amid her diagnosis.
"Support from my family, my friends, my loved ones -- I mean, my friends are my family -- has been phenomenal. You know how supportive you've been," Doherty told Gellar at the time.
ET confirmed that the Charmed actress died on Saturday following a long battle with cancer. She was 53.
"It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress, Shannen Doherty," the actress' longtime publicist, Leslie Sloane, told ET in a statement. "On Saturday, July 13th she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease."
The statement continued, "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."
Shannen Doherty died at the age of 53 on July 13.
In the wake of the news of her death, Doherty was remembered by her friends, co-stars and fans through a series of social media posts.
Jennie Garth, who played Kelly Taylor opposite Doherty's Brenda Walsh on 90210, penned a sweet tribute to her longtime friend.
"I am still processing my tremendous grief over the loss of my long time friend Shannen, the woman I have often described as one of the strongest people I have ever known," she wrote alongside a throwback photo of her and Doherty. "Our connection was real and honest. We were so often pitted against each other but none of that reflected the truth of our real relationship which was one built on mutual respect and admiration. She was courageous, passionate, determined and very loving and generous. I will miss her and will always honor her deeply in my heart and in my memories. My heart breaks for her family and Bowie 💔."
Doherty's best friend, Chris Cortazzo, also wrote a touching tribute in her honor.
"My beloved friend and heart. What memories and laughter we have shared through this journey," he posted next to a video montage. "You were my protector, my best friend and my divine wife. My heart is shattered. I love you forever my sweet dear friend. Your Christopher."
For more on Shannen's life and career, click below.
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