Shelley Fabares’ cause of death has been confirmed less than a week after she died on Aug. 22 at the age of 82.
The actress, known for her roles on “The Donna Reed Show” and “Coach,” died of pneumonia, her family confirmed to USA TODAY on Thursday, Aug. 27. She was previously diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis and received a liver transplant in 2000.
Fabares is survived by Mike Farrell, her husband of over 40 years, and two stepchildren, Erin and Michael Farrell. Her family announced her death in an Aug. 24 statement obtained by USA TODAY, revealing she died surrounded by her loved ones in Los Angeles.
“Shelley was a source of love, strength, laughter, and comfort,” the statement read. “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.”
Shelley Fabares arrives at “Actors and Others for Animals” Roast of Betty White on March 12, 2005, in Los Angeles.
Her family further remembered Fabares as a “beloved actress whose work became part of the fabric of American television and film.”
“She brought talent, intelligence, and warmth to every performance. But to those closest to her, her greatest legacy was personal: the love she gave so freely, the friendships she treasured, and the family bonds she held dear,” they said. “We take comfort in knowing that Shelley’s work and the memories she created with those who loved her will continue to live on.”
TV icon: Shelley Fabares, ‘Coach’ and ‘The Donna Reed Show’ star, dies at 82
Shelley Fabares’ career spanned across television, film and music
Fabares rose to fame playing Mary Stone on the hit ABC sitcom “The Donna Reed Show,” appearing in nearly 200 episodes from 1958 to 1965.
In 1962, she landed in the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 with her single, “Johnny Angel.” Other chart-topping songs included “Johnny Loves Me,” from her second album, and “The Things We Did Last Summer.”
Shelley Fabares’ life in photos, from ‘Donna Reed Show’ to ‘Coach’
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Portrait of the cast of the television series “The Donna Reed Show” (L-R): Shelley Fabares, Paul Petersen (standing), Carl Betz and Donna Reed circa 1961.
(Columbia TriStar, Getty Images)
Fabares also continued acting, starring opposite Elvis Presley in the 1965 musical-comedy “Girl Happy.” She again starred alongside Presley in 1966’s “Spinout” and the following year in “Clambake.”
By 1972, Fabares was a regular on the NBC medical sitcom “The Brian Keith Show,” which aired for two seasons. She later took on roles in “Forever Fernwood,” “One Day at a Time,” “Highway to Heaven,” “Little House on the Prairie.”
While working on the 1983 TV war film “Memorial Day,” Fabares met Farrell, her second husband and star of “M*A*S*H.” They remained married until her death.
In the 1990s, Fabares landed one of her most beloved roles in “Coach,” starring as TV news anchor Christine, the girlfriend and eventual wife of Craig T. Nelson’s college football coach, Hayden. She went on to earn two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her performance on the series.
Nelson paid tribute to his late co-star in a statement to USA TODAY, calling her “an extraordinary woman.”
“Shelley was a great and grand lady … just a rock. I will miss her,” he said. “She was a foundational part of my life during the run of ‘Coach.’ She always had a smile. She was welcoming in the midst of chaos and always someone I could go to for advice and counsel, not only myself but others as well.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ‘Donna Reed Show’ star Shelley Fabares’ cause of death revealed