Craig T. Nelson, star of the beloved series “Coach,” offered a heartfelt tribute to his remarkable co-star Shelley Fabares, after news broke of her passing at the age of 82.
“Shelley was an exceptional and dignified woman… truly a pillar,” Nelson expressed in a statement shared with Entertainment Weekly. “Her presence was integral to my life throughout our time on ‘Coach.’ I shall dearly miss her.”
Nelson continued, reflecting, “Shelley was simply an extraordinary human. Her smile was ever-present, and she had an incredible way of bringing warmth amidst turmoil. She was a confidante not just for me, but for many. I’ll hold your memory with deep affection, Shelley Fabares.”
For nearly a decade, Nelson and Fabares portrayed a married couple on the hit series “Coach.”
The comedic sports-themed show centered around the passionate head coach Hayden Fox, played by Nelson, who led the Minnesota State University Screaming Eagles football team. The series explored his hectic life managing the demands of his career, quirky staff, and his relationship with his wife, Christine Armstrong, a news anchor portrayed by Fabares.
The show ran for nine seasons on ABC from 1989 to 1997.
“Coach” even earned Nelson the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 1992 and he was nominated in the same category in 1990 and 1991.
Fabares also received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Christine Armstrong.
In 1990, Fabares gushed over playing Nelson’s wife on the show in an interview with the Los Angeles Times.
“The show is about the coach and the relationships in his life. There’s been more of a focus this year on Hayden’s and Christine’s relationship,” Fabares told the outlet.
“Obviously, I enjoy that. . . . I like how they have our relationship developing. I think Hayden and Christine are at an interesting point in their relationship where they are moving forward, but both are frightened.”
Over the weekend, Fabares’ family confirmed the actress’ death. The “Donna Reed Show” alum died the day prior following a brief illness, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
“To her family and friends, Shelley was a source of love, strength, laughter, and comfort,” they shared in a statement to People.
Her loved ones described the late actress 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.”
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.”
The family concluded their message by stating they will miss Fabares “deeply,” “not only as a celebrated performer, but as the loving and extraordinary person she was in our everyday lives.”