# Death of actress Shelley Fabares

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/death-of-actress-shelley-fabares
> Updated: 2026-09-03T11:39:08.000Z. Sources: 78. Developments: 4.

Actress and singer Shelley Fabares died in Los Angeles on August 22, 2026, at the age of 82. While her family initially identified pneumonia as the cause of death, a death certificate obtained by People lists her immediate cause of death as ‘acute respiratory distress’. The document notes that pneumonia was a contributing factor and that she had been diagnosed with the respiratory infection weeks before passing. No autopsy was performed, and she was cremated on August 28.

Fabares was a prominent figure in American television, recognized for her roles as Mary Stone on ‘The Donna Reed Show’ and for her Emmy-nominated performance as Christine Armstrong on the sitcom ‘Coach’. Her career also included appearances in musical comedies alongside Elvis Presley, such as ‘Girl Happy’, ‘Spinout’, and ‘Clambake’. She was known for roles in ‘One Day at a Time’ and appeared in various productions alongside stars such as Paul Newman and Frank Sinatra.

Beyond acting, she was a successful recording artist whose 1962 single ‘Johnny Angel’ reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Regarding her medical history, Fabares had been diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis and underwent a liver transplant in 2000. She is survived by her husband of over 40 years, actor Mike Farrell, and two stepchildren. In a statement, her family described her as a source of ‘love, strength, and laughter’.

## Claims

- Shelley Fabares died of pneumonia. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Fabares had been previously diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Fabares received a liver transplant in 2000. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Fabares passed away on August 22 at the age of 82. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Fabares was married to actor Mike Farrell. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Fabares' single 'Johnny Angel' reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Fabares starred in three films with Elvis Presley. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-03: Shelley Fabares death details reveal acute respiratory distress

Actress Shelley Fabares, known for ‘The Donna Reed Show’, died at age 82 due to acute respiratory distress and pneumonia.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shelley-fabares-death-details-reveal-acute-respiratory-distress

### 2026-08-27: Shelley Fabares, star of ‘The Donna Reed Show’ and ‘Coach’, dies at 82

Actress Shelley Fabares, known for ‘The Donna Reed Show’ and ‘Coach’, has died at age 82 due to pneumonia. Her career included hit music and films with Elvis Presley.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shelley-fabares-the-donna-reed-show-star-dies-at-82

### 2026-08-25: Shelley Fabares, actress and singer, dies at 82

American actress and singer Shelley Fabares, known for ‘The Donna Reed Show’ and ‘Coach’, has died in Los Angeles at age 82.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shelley-fabares-actress-of-the-donna-reed-show-dies-at-82

### 2026-08-23: Shelley Fabares, star of ‘The Donna Reed Show’ and ‘Coach’, dies at 82

Actress and singer Shelley Fabares, known for ‘The Donna Reed Show’, ‘Coach’, and starring in Elvis Presley films, has died in Los Angeles at age 82.

61 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shelley-fabares-star-of-the-donna-reed-show-and-coach-dies-at-82

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Cite as: Death of actress Shelley Fabares. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/death-of-actress-shelley-fabares