Shannen Doherty had heartbreaking final wish before she died

Warning: This article contains discussion of cancer which some readers may find distressing.

Fans of US actress Shannen Doherty are only today learning of the gut-wrenching final wish she made prior to her tragic death at the weekend.

The 53-year-old Beverly Hills, 90210 star had battled cancer for a total of nine years prior to her heartbreaking passing on Saturday 13 July, which was subsequently announced by her close friend and publicist.

Shannen died on Saturday following a long battle with cancer. (Instagram/@itsshando)

Shannen's health woes began back in 2015 with a shock breast cancer diagnosis.

After undergoing treatment and surgery two years later, the disease was thankfully ruled as being in remission for, before returning in 2020. She was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer after it spread to her brain and bones.

Ever since learning that her illness had become terminal in July last year, the actress has consistently spoken honestly about her funeral plans, as well as the prospect of live after death.

And whilst she later claimed not to be 'afraid' of passing away, in a January episode of her popular podcast Let's Be Clear, the Charmed star revealed one tear-jerking move she wished she'd made earlier in life.

Speaking to listeners, Shannen confessed: "Not only did I want a child for myself, but I wanted it for my husband. I wanted it for our marriage. I wanted him to have that part of himself fulfilled as well."

Shannen with ex husband Kurt Iswarienko. (Vivien Killilea/WireImage)

The actress was previously married to photographer Kurt Iswarienko, from whom she divorced in the months prior to her death after 13 years together.

The ex couple struggled to conceive naturally - having married when both in their 40s - and had made the decision to take a chance on IVF.

Within a matter of months, however, after several rounds of treatment, Shannen's own cancer battle began, on top of the early onset menopause she was also facing.

Speaking on her podcast, she went on to admit: "God, I vacillate on it all the time.

"I think I would love nothing more than to be a mom. I always wanted it, and I think if I did it with my best friend or a partner, then I don't know any amount of time.

"I look at kids who don't have parents at all, and I think if I adopt a child or whatever it is, any amount of time is better than nothing. Maybe. I don't know."

Shannen's death was announced at the weekend. (Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)

Shannen's passing was announced by her publicist Leslie Sloan on Sunday, with the agent revealing the sad news that she'd 'lost her battle with cancer'.

An emotional statement released to People read: "It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty.

"On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease. 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."

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.