Shelley Fabares’ death cause has finally been revealed.
Five days after The Donna Reed Show star died at the age of 82, her family announced the late actress’s devastating cause of death while speaking to PEOPLE.
As per her family, Fabares’s cause of death was pneumonia. Her medical history includes autoimmune hepatitis, for which she received a liver transplant in 2000.
Shelley Fabares’ death
On Sunday, August 23, the outlet reported that the Coach star died at the age of 82 in Los Angeles, California, while being surrounded by her loved ones.
In a statement released by the veteran actress’s family, it was noted that she passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026, following a brief health battle.
“To her family and friends, Shelley was a source of love, strength, laughter, and comfort. She was a devoted wife, cherished stepmother, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, family member, and loyal friend whose warmth, generosity, humor, and grace made an enduring difference in the lives of everyone who knew her. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for.,” they wrote.
The statement continued, “For millions, Shelley was a beloved actress whose work became part of the fabric of American television and film.”
Fabares’s family praised her long and successful career – which includes her iconic roles as Mary Stone on The Donna Reed Show and Christine Armstrong Fox in Coach and recording of her hit song Johnny Angel – and stated that she brought talent, intelligence, and warmth to every role.
However, her loved ones noted that her greatest legacy was her personal life, and remembered her for the love she gave, the friendships she cherished and the strong bonds she shared with her family.
She is survived by her husband, M*A*S*H star Mike Farrell, and stepchildren.
