Doris Day, a renowned actress of the Hollywood Golden Age, passed away in 2019, at the age of 97.
She was adored both as an actor and a singer, releasing more than 650 songs and starring in over 30 films. Her impact in the industry of film and music continues to inspire years after her passing.
Doris Day, a huge animal lover known for her modesty, rose to fame with the films Pillow Talk, Love Me or Leave Me, and The Man Who Knew Too Much.
She was married four times, and had one child. Her son, Terry Mulcher, whom she welcomed with husband Al Jorden, passed away in 2004 due to cancer.
Sentimental Journey, Secret Love, and Que Sera Sera were all inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and her dedication to animals inspired the establishment of the Doris Day Animal Foundation.
It was representatives of the foundation who shared the news of Doris Day’s passing. They said the cause of death was pneumonia, and that there wouldn’t be burial ceremonies, gravestone, or other forms of public remembrance.
The actress wanted to be cremated, and her loved ones fulfilled her wish.
Bob Bashara, Day’s close friend and manager, said the actress avoided discussing the prospect of funeral because she feared death.
“She didn’t like death, and she couldn’t be with her animals if they had to be put down. She had difficulty accepting death,” he said in an interview.
“I’d say we need to provide for her dogs [after she died], and she’d say, ‘I don’t want to think about it’ and she said, ‘Well, you just take care of them,’” Bashara recalled.
“She had several when her will was written, and she wanted to be sure they were taken care of. She didn’t like to talk about the dogs dying.”
Day contributed to the cause of animal rights by raising $3 million through the auction of over 1,000 personal items. She also played a role in establishing a Texas Horse Rescue and Adoption Center, dedicated to caring for neglected and abandoned horses.
Raised in the Catholic faith, Day embraced Christian Science after marrying producer Martin Melcher. He adopted her son, who took Melcher’s last name. Day “drifted away” from organized religion following Melcher’s passing, but she remained a spiritual person.
“She believed in God, and she thought her voice was God-given,” Bashara said of Day. “She would say, ‘God gave me a voice, and I just used it.’”
This beloved actress retired from the film industry in the 70s’. She, however, returned for two TV shows. Day also hosted her own television talk show Doris Day’s Best Friends, on the Christian Broadcasting Network which ran for a year.
Following her passing, Day’s estate was donated to charity.
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