Shelley Fabares’ cause of death has been revealed just days after her death.
Fabares died on August 22 at the age of 82 following a battle with pneumonia, a rep for her husband, M*A*S*H star Mike Farrell, confirmed to the Daily Mail on Thursday.
The actress, who appeared in three films with Elvis Presley in her youth, had reportedly struggled with serious health problems in recent decades.
Fabares previously suffered from autoimmune hepatitis and received a liver transplant in 2000.
Her family confirmed the news of her death earlier this week, saying she passed away surrounded by her loved ones in Los Angeles.
In the statement announcing the news, they highlighted her decades-long career and the positive impact she had on her loved ones.
Shelley Fabares’ cause of death has been revealed. The actress, who died on August 22 at the age of 82, died as a result of a battle with pneumonia, a rep for her husband Mike Farrell confirmed to the Daily Mail on Thursday; Fabares and Farrell are pictured in LA in 2018
The retired actress was best known for starring in three films with Elvis Presley and her iconic roles in Coach; pictured with Elvis in the 1966 film Spinout
In addition to her husband, Fabares is also survived by her stepchildren and the rest of their family.
“To her family and friends, Shelley was a source of love, strength, laughter and comfort,” Fabares’ family said in a statement.
“She was a devoted wife, a beloved stepmother, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, family member and loyal friend whose warmth, generosity, humor and grace made a lasting difference in the lives of all who knew her. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome, valued and cared for.”
“To millions, Shelley was a beloved actress whose work became part of American television and film,” the late star’s family continued.
“From her memorable role as Mary Stone on The Donna Reed Show, where she also launched a successful recording career with her number one hit, Johnny Angel, to her performances opposite Elvis Presley in three films, her beloved role in Coach and her many other television and film appearances, she brought talent, intelligence and warmth to every performance.”
“But for those closest to her, her greatest legacy was personal: the love she gave so freely, the friendships she cherished and the family bonds she held dear,” she added.
Gushing about Fabares, her husband and her family also said they will “remember Shelley for her kindness, loyalty, humor, courage and beautiful spirit.”
“We will miss her dearly – not only as a celebrated artist, but as the loving and extraordinary person she was in our everyday lives,” her family continued.
Fabares’ family said she died in Los Angeles surrounded by her loved ones; pictured in 2018 in Hollywood
Fabares was also known for starring as Mary Stone on The Donna Reed Show; depicted in a 1961 portrait on The Donna Reed Show
“We are heartbroken by her loss, yet deeply grateful for the years we shared with her and for the joy, compassion and love she brought to so many,” they added.
“We ask that our family’s privacy be respected as we grieve. We take comfort in knowing that Shelley’s work and the memories she created with those who loved her will live on.”
She famously starred opposite Presley in the 1967 musical comedy Clambake and was known for her television role as Mary on The Donna Reed Show.
Fabares was also remembered for a guest appearance she made on the popular sitcom Mork & Mindy, starring the late Robin Williams.
Fabares was born in Santa Monica and her career in entertainment began when she was a toddler.
Fabares’ mother got her started modeling at the age of three, and she later made her television debut at the age of 10 in 1954 as part of Letter to Loretta.
Fabares, who also had an aunt who worked as an actress, previously discussed growing up and working as a child actress.
“It’s hard to know who you are and what you are,” she told The Roanoke Times in 1994.
The star, who received a liver transplant in 2000 after being diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, is survived by her husband, M*A*S*H star Mike Farrell; pictured with Farrell in 2002
Pictured next to Craig T. Nelson in 1989, still with Coach
She built a close friendship with Donna Reed during her time as the daughter of her show’s titular star on screen; depicted in 1958 portrait
“The things it takes to make a child – you’re not completely disciplined, you don’t behave all the time, you have a sense of freedom – those things are not allowed on set.”
In 1958, she first played the role of Mary Stone, the teenage daughter of the titular star Donna and Dr. Alex (Carl Betz) on The Donna Reed Show.
She later began her singing career after Reed’s husband, producer Tony Owen, encouraged her and her on-screen brother Paul Peterson to include vocals on the show.
Fabares’ song Johnny Angel debuted in 1962 and quickly became No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Throughout her career, Fabares released a total of four albums.
She was also previously married to music producer Lou Adler. Fabares and Adler were married for two years before calling it quits in 1966, only filing for divorce later in 1978 and finalizing their legal separation in 1980.
In 1965, she starred in her first film with Presley in Girl Happy.
The following year they would also work together again in the 1966 film Spinout and Clambake.
Over the course of her career, she made a number of iconic television and film appearances, including on Fantasy Island in 1981
Her television appearances include Brian’s Song in 1971, One Day at a Time alongside Her Aunt and The Practice in 1976; pictured in 1979, still starring alongside Pam Dawber, Robin Williams and Conrad Janis in the hit sitcom Mork & Mindy
She was also a singer and her song Johnny Angel debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1962; pictured with Presley in 1965, still from Girl Happy
Her television appearances include Brian’s Song in 1971, One Day at a Time alongside Her Aunt and The Practice in 1976.
She also appeared in Police Story, The Rockford Files, The Love Boat and Murder, She Wrote.
She married Farrell, now 87, in 1984 in an intimate wedding at her aunt’s home.
