Doris Day Dead at 97: Goldie Hawn, Antonio Banderas and More Stars React
Doris Day may be gone, but never forgotten.
Shortly after news broke Monday morning that the legendary actress, singer and animal activist died at the age of 97 at her home in Carmel Valley, California, celebrities began to pay their respects and send condolences to her family through statements and on social media.
"I think the most interesting thing about Doris' later life, was that the fans have continued to make the pilgrimage up to Carmel to celebrate her birthday every year, even if she was unable to join them," said Jackie Joseph, who starred on The Doris Day Show. "I have heard from so many that she has in many ways saved their lives, by lifting their spirits up through her music and films. Doris had a light that actually healed people."
"It's with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to the beautiful and talented Doris Day," added Rich Little. "It was my honor to work with her on Doris Day Today in 1975. She was bubbly, charming and very funny. You couldn't help but feel at ease in her presence. I considered her to be one of the greatest stars of all times. She was not only a talented actress, but an amazing singer with many hits to her name."
"I recall singing along to 'Sentimental Journey,' 'Secret Love' and my all-time favorite Que Sera Sera,'" Little continued. "I had the honor of attending her 97th birthday party in Carmel, California, in March. The event was to raise funds for her animal foundation - one of her greatest joys. Her love of animals is well known. She once said, 'I have never found, in a human being, loyalty that is comparable to a dog's loyalty.' Sleep with the angels, dear lady. You will be sorely missed."
So You Think You Can Dance judge Nigel Lythgoe was one of the first to remember Day, tweeting, "I fell in love with #DorisDay when I was 10 years old. #PillowTalk."
I fell in love with #DorisDay when I was 10 years old. #PillowTalk
— Nigel Lythgoe OBE (@dizzyfeet) May 13, 2019
"God Bless Doris Day," wrote Boy George. "What a voice. What a legend."
God Bless Doris Day! x What a voice. What a legend. R.I.P. https://t.co/87vYpO1NOm
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) May 13, 2019
We've lost another great Hollywood talent," added Seth MacFarlane. "Take a minute to appreciate the legendary Doris Day."
We’ve lost another great Hollywood talent. Take a minute to appreciate the legendary Doris Day: https://t.co/72ssvivryz
— Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) May 13, 2019
William Shatner shared a similar tribute, writing, "Condolences to the family of Doris Day. She was the World’s Sweetheart and beloved by all. Que Será, Será!"
Condolences to the family of Doris Day. She was the World’s Sweetheart and beloved by all. ❤️ Que Será, Será!😞
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) May 13, 2019
See more reactions from celebrities, fans and more below:
"Doris Day has been a part of our historic forecourt since 1961 and both before and after that year her wonderful movies have graced our cinema screens, delighting generations of Hollywood movie goers and tourists," a statement from TCL Chinese Theatre reads. "She is beloved by fans the world over who come here and we pay homage to her memory and her unprecedented legacy in movies, music and TV."
The great Doris Day left us and took a piece of the sun with her. She brighten our lives and lived out her life with dignity. May she rest peacefully. ❤️
— Goldie Hawn (@goldiehawn) May 13, 2019
Thank you for your talent.
R.I.P. #DorisDaypic.twitter.com/enuaFllpI8— Antonio Banderas (@antoniobanderas) May 13, 2019
This morning I was saddened to learn that Doris Day who starred in a film I had written "The Thrill Of It All" had passed away at 97. Just a week ago, I contacted her and welcomed her to the 97 Year Actor's Club.
— carl reiner (@carlreiner) May 13, 2019
The one, the only, the woman who inspired so much of what I do... Doris Day I love you, my calamity Jane. An iconic woman who I was hugely honoured to meet and share precious moments with. Rest in peace x pic.twitter.com/brkli7fKYE
— Stella McCartney (@StellaMcCartney) May 13, 2019
When I was just a little girl
I asked my Mother what will I be
Will I be pretty
Will I be rich
Here's what she said to me
Que será será
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours to see
Que será será
RIP
Doris Day#dorisdaypic.twitter.com/1qwvjvq8Jp— Cynthia Owens 🌊❄🌊 (@CynthiaEOwens1) May 13, 2019
Goodnight Doris Day. Rest. pic.twitter.com/ZHXuI5uGa9
— Ian Whyte (@Ian_Whyte) May 13, 2019
I have no words. Hollywood's ray of sunshine, Doris Day, has passed. All I can say is thank you, thank you for all of the joy, laughter, and beautiful music you have blessed everyone with throughout the years. Heaven has received a most splendid angel. 💫 pic.twitter.com/2XRIQlaCbG
— meggie (@diaImformegan) May 13, 2019
RIP to the one, the only Doris Day. pic.twitter.com/01rV9D7bq9
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) May 13, 2019
RIP Doris Day pic.twitter.com/zPHtr9h4Yk
— Cole Escola (@ColeEscola) May 13, 2019
If all dogs go to heaven, surely they’ll be greeting Doris Day right about now. Doris spent a lifetime advocating for animals, long before it was popular. She put her time AND her money where her mouth was. pic.twitter.com/EHNp6aW3jg
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) May 13, 2019
No matter how old you are, it’s the music and movies of your youth that forever stir you. Kudos to Doris Day for the smiles she gave, the happiness she inspired and a life well lived. May her spirit soar.
— Marianne Williamson (@marwilliamson) May 13, 2019
My mom was just telling me how much of a style icon Doris Day is to her. Pillow Talk is one of my fave movies. Rest In Peace to this iconic woman 🎩🌟 pic.twitter.com/7UKNeahY9h
— Ashley Natasha ∞ (@AshleyEvita_) May 13, 2019
Day was married four times throughout her life, most recently to Barry Comden, whom she split from in 1982 after more than five years of marriage. She had one son, Terry Melcher, whom she shared with her first husband, Al Jorden. Melcher, a musician, died in 2004 at age 62 after a battle with melanoma.
She is survived by her grandson, Ryan Melcher.
RELATED CONTENT:
Doris Day, Hollywood Actress and Singer, Dead at 97
Doris Day Finds Out She's 2 Years Older Than She Thought: 'Age Is Just a Number'
Related Articles: