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Aug 23, 2026

Shelley Fabares, star of ‘Coach’ and ‘The Donna Reed Show,’ dead at 82

“The Donna Reed Show” alum Shelley Fabares has died. She was 82.

The actress’s family confirmed she passed away on Saturday after a brief illness, according to the Hollywood reporter.

“To her family and friends, Shelley was a source of love, strength, laughter, and comfort,” they wrote in a statement to People, describing her as a “devoted wife” and “loyal friend whose warmth, generosity, humor, and grace made an enduring difference in the lives of everyone who knew her.”

Actress Shelley Fabares in a black ruffled top and black pants posing for a portrait against a purple background.

Shelley Fabares (seen above in 1981) has died.Getty Images.

Shelley Fabares smiling while wearing a spiky hairstyle with pink and blonde highlights.

The “Donna Reed Show” alum (seen above in 2002) was 82.WireImage
The statement continued, “She had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for.”

“For millions, Shelley was a beloved actress whose work became part of the fabric of American television and film,” her family continued, highlighting her long-standing career as Mary Stone in “The Donna Reed Show” from 1958 to 1965.

Additionally, Fabares was well-known for her role as Christine Armstrong in the TV series “Coach” alongside Jerry Van Dyke and Craig T. Nelson.

Shelley Fabares smiling in a pink angora sweater.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the actress (seen here in 1981) died after a brief illness.Getty Images

Portrait of Shelley Fabares and Elvis Presley looking at each other.

She was surrounded by her loved ones. (Seen here: Shelley Fabares and Elvis Presley promoting their film “Girl Happy.”)Corbis via Getty Images

Fabares also starred opposite Elvis Presley in several feature films, including the 1965 movie “Girl Happy,” the 1966 movie “Spinout,” and the 1967 flick “Clambake.”

Additionally, she released her chart-topping hit “Johnny Angel” in 1962.

Fabares’ last project was as the voice of Martha Kent in the 2006 animated project, “Superman: Brainiac Attacks.”

American actor Shelley Fabares laughs while eating cake.

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