This legendary actress never wanted a funeral, memorial, or grave marking after she died

Two years have elapsed since the death of the illustrious actress and singer Doris Day, a luminary of the Hollywood Golden Age, who passed away at the age of 97. From 1947 to 1967, she produced over 650 songs, starred in nearly 30 films, and received numerous accolades for her dedication to both music and cinema, including the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Although this beloved actress and singer departed in 2019, a close associate recently disclosed that she had expressed a desire to forgo a burial, memorial service, or grave marker. This prompts an exploration into her motivations.

Doris Day is admired for many reasons, including her exceptional talent, her compassion for animals, and her humility. Over a career spanning five decades, she earned widespread acclaim and respect for her contributions to film, achieving fame through her performances in classics such as Pillow Talk, Love Me or Leave Me, and The Man Who Knew Too Much.

Throughout her life, Day experienced four marriages and had one child. Her son, Terry Mulcher, from her first marriage to Al Jorden, tragically succumbed to cancer in 2004. In addition to her cinematic achievements, Day was a prominent advocate for animal rights, championing the cause of voiceless creatures and demonstrating remarkable kindness.

Doris was also a Grammy-winning artist, with her songs Sentimental Journey, Secret Love, and Que Sera Sera all being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Her commitment to animal welfare led to the establishment of the Doris Day Animal Foundation.

Doris Day passed away in 2019 at her home in Carmel Valley, California. Her charity, the Doris Day Animal Foundation, confirmed her death due to pneumonia and noted that, in accordance with her wishes, there would be no burial services, gravestone, or public memorials. Instead, she was cremated, and her ashes were scattered.

Her close friend and manager, Bob Bashara, revealed that she preferred not to contemplate the idea of a funeral, as she had a profound struggle with the concept of death. There was indeed a significant reason behind her final wishes.
She had a profound aversion to death and found it particularly distressing to consider the possibility of her animals being euthanized. Acceptance of death was a challenge for her, as noted in an interview.

Bashara recalls, “When I suggested that we should make arrangements for her dogs after her passing, she would respond, ‘I don’t want to think about it,’ insisting, ‘You just take care of them.’”

At the time her will was drafted, she owned several dogs and was adamant about ensuring their well-being. Discussions about the death of her pets were topics she preferred to avoid.

In the early 1970s, Day became a prominent advocate for animal rights, denouncing fur usage and establishing the Doris Day Animal Foundation.

In 2020, she successfully raised $3 million for animal welfare by auctioning over 1,000 personal items. Additionally, she played a significant role in founding a Texas Horse Rescue and Adoption Center dedicated to the care of neglected and abandoned horses.

Raised in the Catholic faith, Day embraced Christian Science after her marriage to producer Martin Melcher.

Her first marriage to trombonist Al Jorden, whom she met at the age of 16, resulted in the birth of her only child, Terrence “Terry” Paul Jorden. Following his adoption by Day’s third husband, Melcher, he changed his name to Terrence Paul Melcher.

After Melcher’s passing in 1968, Day distanced herself from organized religion, as Bashara noted, yet she remained a spiritual individual. “She had faith in God and believed her voice was a divine gift,” he remarked. “She would often say, ‘God gave me a voice, and I just used it.’”

Day stepped away from acting in the early 1970s but made brief returns for two television series. In 1985, she hosted her own talk show, “Doris Day’s Best Friends,” on the Christian Broadcasting Network, which aired for one year.

Bashara expresses uncertainty regarding Day’s reluctance to have a funeral, suggesting it may have stemmed from her inherently shy nature.

Kaley Cuoco is set to portray Doris Day in a limited series produced by Warner Bros Television.
Kaley Cuoco, who serves as both the executive producer and lead actress of The Flight Attendant, is in the process of developing a limited series inspired by A.E. Hotchner’s 1976 book, Doris Day: Her Own Story. Cuoco is set to star in this project.

The collaboration involves Warner Bros., Norman Productions, and Cuoco’s Yes After Flight Attendant television, once again partnering with Berlanti Productions. Currently, there is no network affiliation for the series.

Following the death of her third husband in 1968, Day found herself in financial difficulties, but a television career, which she initially disliked, helped her avoid financial disaster during the 1970s. In that same decade, she began her advocacy for animal rights. Cuoco, like Day, is an ardent supporter of animal welfare initiatives.

The Doris Day project represents the latest endeavor under Cuoco’s exclusive agreement with Yes, Norman, aimed at creating new original content in partnership with Warner Bros. Television Group. In 2019, she renewed her commitment to the studio by signing a new multiyear overall deal.

It has been noted that Day was aware of her fans’ affection through the letters she received, yet she never fully grasped the depth of their admiration.

“She never allowed her fame to change who she was; she remained the same little girl from Cincinnati, extraordinarily talented, who pursued her passions despite her circumstances,” he remarked.

After her passing, Day was cremated, and her ashes were scattered. Her estate was generously donated to charitable causes.

This iconic actress and singer will always be cherished and remembered. May Doris Day rest in peace. Please share.