It’s been two years since we lost legendary actress and singer Doris Day, who passed away at the age of 97. Doris was a remarkable figure during the Golden Age of Hollywood and left an indelible mark on both film and music.
During her illustrious career, she appeared in almost 30 movies and released over 650 songs between 1947 and 1967. Her dedication to her craft earned her numerous awards, including the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Despite her immense popularity, a close friend recently revealed that Doris didn’t want a funeral, memorial, or grave marking after her passing. But why? Let’s delve into her story.
Doris Day was adored not only for her talents but also for her love of animals and her down-to-earth personality. Over a 50-year career, she became well-known through movies like “Pillow Talk,” “Love Me or Leave Me,” and “The Man Who Knew Too Much.”
She was married four times and had one child, Terry Melcher, who sadly passed away in 2004 from melanoma. Beyond her film accomplishments, Doris was also a dedicated animal rights activist and founded the Doris Day Animal Foundation.
Her hit songs “Sentimental Journey,” “Secret Love,” and “Que Sera Sera” are timeless classics and have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Despite all her achievements, she wished for no public memorials or grave markers. When she passed away in 2019, her ashes were scattered, and this decision was honored by her close friends and family.
According to her close friend and manager, Bob Bashara, Doris struggled with the concept of death, which influenced her final wishes.
“She didn’t like death and had difficulty accepting it,” Bashara shared in a 2019 interview. Doris even found it hard to be around animals that had to be put down. She often avoided discussions about her death and the care of her pets, leaving those decisions to trusted friends.
From the early 70s, she passionately campaigned for animal rights, denouncing fur usage and continuously supporting her Animal Foundation. In 2020, she auctioned over 1,000 of her possessions, raising $3 million to further support animal rights causes.
Doris was raised Catholic and later practiced Christian Science after marrying producer Martin Melcher. She had one son, Terrence “Terry” Melcher, who was born during her first marriage to trombonist Al Jorden. Terry was later adopted by Melcher and took his last name.
While she eventually drifted away from organized religion, Doris maintained her spirituality, often attributing her singing talent to a divine gift. “She believed in God and thought her voice was God-given,” Bashara recalled.
Although she retired from acting in the 70s, Doris stayed connected with her fans through two later TV shows and hosted a talk show, “Doris Day’s Best Friends,” on the Christian Broadcasting Network in the mid-80s.
Bashara believes Doris’s reluctance to have a funeral stemmed from her shy nature. Despite receiving countless letters of admiration, she never fully understood her immense popularity and remained humble throughout her life.
In accordance with her wishes, Doris was cremated, and her ashes were scattered. Her estate was generously donated to charity to continue her life’s work of helping animals.
We all have to come to terms with death in our way, and everyone’s wishes must be respected. Doris Day, this legendary actress and singer, will forever be loved and remembered. Rest in peace, Doris Day. Please share.
