By Page Six | Created at 2026-09-03 12:19:12 | Updated at 2026-09-03 12:56:05
1 hour ago
New details about actress Shelley Fabares’ death have been revealed after she passed away last month.
The “Donna Reed Show” actress’ immediate cause of death was acute respiratory distress (ARDS), according to a death certificate obtained by People.
However, the death certificate also lists pneumonia as a cause of death.
The outlet reported that Fabares was diagnosed with the respiratory infection weeks before her death and she experienced ARDS — a life-threatening lung injury caused by sepsis, pneumonia, COVID-19 and other conditions, per the Cleveland Clinic — days before.
No autopsy was performed on the “Coach” alum, and she was cremated on Aug. 28.
As Page Six previously reported, Fabares died on Aug. 22. She was 82.
“To her family and friends, Shelley was a source of love, strength, laughter, and comfort,” Fabares’ family said in a statement to People.
“She was a devoted wife, cherished stepmother, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, family member, and loyal friend whose warmth, generosity, humor, and grace made an enduring difference in the lives of everyone who knew her,” they added.
“She had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for.”
The family of the “Johnny Angel” singer said they “will remember Shelley for her kindness, loyalty, wit, courage and beautiful spirit.”
Fabares’ “Coach” co-star Craig T. Nelson paid tribute to the late actress following her death.
“Shelley was a great and grand lady… just a rock. I will miss her,” the “Poltergeist” star, also 82, shared in a statement to Entertainment Weekly. “She was a foundational part of my life during the run of ‘Coach.’”
Nelson added, “[She was] just an extraordinary woman. She always had a smile. She was welcoming in the midst of chaos and always someone I could go to for advice and counsel, not only myself but others as well. I’ll remember you with love, Shelley Fabares.”
Fabares was previously married to music and film producer Lou Adler. The exes split in 1966 after two years of marriage.
She is survived by her husband of over four decades, actor Mike Farrell, and her two stepchildren.
Welcome to the Page Six Community!
Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas in a safe space.
In order to do so, we've created a simple set of rules that will improve your experience.
Simply put, keep it civil.
Your post will/might be rejected if it contains:
- Spam
- Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language and threats of any kind
- Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
User accounts will/might be blocked if we notice:
- Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
- Racist, sexist, or homophobic comments
- Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
So, how can you be a power user?
- Stay on topic and share your passion. Feel free to elaborate to get your point across.
- 'Like' or 'Dislike' when you are filled with emotions!
- Protect your community. Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.
Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Don't forget, freedom of speech is not the freedom of reach!
