Coach actress and Elvis Presley co-star Shelley Fabares dies aged 82

| Senior Film & Entertainment Reporter Published August 24, 2026 7:52am Updated August 24, 2026 7:52am Actress Shelley Fabares has died (Picture: Michael Tullberg/Getty) Emmy Award-nominated actress and singer Shelley Fabares, who had a decades-long TV career and co-starred with Elvis Presley in three movies, has died aged 82. Fabares’ breakthrough success came in the 1950s on The Donna Reed Show, where she played the star’s daughter Mary, while she later appeared on sitcom Coach from 1989 to 1997. The star’s family, including M*A*S*H actor Mike Farrell, announced her death on Sunday night, confirming she had died on Saturday in Los Angeles, surrounded by her loved ones. ‘To her family and friends, Shelley was a source of love, strength, laughter, and comfort,’ Fabares’ family said in a statement to People Magazine. ‘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. 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,’ they continued, highlighting some of her most popular work – as well as her Billboard chart-topping number one single, Johnny Angel. ‘But to those closest to her, her greatest legacy was personal: the love she gave so freely, the friendships she treasured, and the family bonds she held dear.’ More to follow. Deals of the Day Simba's cooling mattresses are now up to 30% off ahead of the bank holiday The best hosepipe ban-friendly products to protect your garden this summer Amazon has slashed the price of Cetaphil's bestselling sensitive skin products Parents can save up to 30% on Kickers school shoes ahead of the new term The back-to-school hack that's helping parents avoid queues and sold-out sizes Arrow MORE: Hayden Panettiere’s mother says account of her death is ‘full of holes’ Arrow MORE: La La Land and Gilmore Girls star Bunny Levine dies aged 97 Arrow MORE: Hailey Bieber’s sister avoids jail after bizarre ‘used tampon’ assault arrest