Months after Shannen Doherty’s passing, her doctor has broken his silence, sharing a rare update on her mother, Rosa Doherty. Dr. Lawrence Piro, Shannen’s oncologist and a close friend, spoke on the Nov. 4 episode of her podcast, Let’s Be Clear.
Admitting it has been difficult to discuss Shannen since her passing on July 13, he felt compelled to reflect on her journey and friendship after recently “sitting down with Rosa.” “We had a conversation,” he mentioned, before offering insight into Rosa’s current state as she navigates life without her daughter.
“I see Rosa regularly; I’m caring for her too. She’s doing well and is still in Shannen’s home, looking after the dogs and carrying on with her usual routines,” Piro shared. “The grieving process is long, but she’s handling it naturally and finding her way through it.”
The doctor recalls Shannen’s reluctance to let go, as she cherished life deeply
Piro noted Rosa’s commitment to honoring Shannen’s memory and the connection Shannen’s fans continue to share. “She’s grateful for the fans who keep Shannen’s memory alive. That love from so many brings her a sense of peace,” he explained. Rosa had even asked Piro to express her gratitude for the fans’ loyalty, as it provides her with comfort during this time.
Reflecting on Shannen’s final moments, Piro shared with PEOPLE that she was peaceful, surrounded by close friends as she “transitioned,” adding that the moment was “somber, yet beautiful and filled with love.” The hardest part, he noted, was Shannen’s reluctance to let go, as she “cherished life.”
During her battle with cancer—first diagnosed in 2015, with a brief remission before the cancer returned in 2019 and progressed to stage 4—Shannen approached each day with unwavering optimism. “She only saw us winning this fight,” he said. “She lived each day not as if it was her last, but as if it was the start of a new chapter.”
