'The Shining' star Shelley Duvall celebrated her last birthday with superfan just days before her death at 75

FORT WORTH, TEXAS: Shelley Duvall, renowned for her iconic roles in 'Popeye' and 'The Shining', shared a poignant moment with a devoted fan during her 75th birthday celebration, a mere four days before her death on Thursday, July 11, 2024.

The touching snapshot, posted by fan account @shelleyduvallxo, captures Duvall beaming with joy as she leans on her admirer's shoulder, accepting a bouquet.

Shelley Duvall's final moments

Despite health challenges in recent months, Shelley Duvall found solace in the companionship of Sarah, the fan behind the account who frequently visited the reclusive actress at her Texas home.

Sarah wrote that the actress was "having difficulties with her health over the past few months,” but she “visited with her often."

“I’ll always be grateful for the memories I created with her and that I was able to give her comfort and companionship,” she said in the caption of Duvall’s final photo on Thursday, July 11.

At their meeting, Sarah delighted the star by playing Sabrina Carpenter’s popular song 'Espresso', celebrating their shared enjoyment of music recommendations over the years on her fan page. The fan also informed her followers that Duvall “was so appreciative” of the birthday visit, thanking her for “lifting her spirits” before her death.

Shelley Duvall's legacy and career highlights

Shelley Duvall's longtime partner, Dan Gilroy, sadly announced that she died in her sleep at home from complications of diabetes. Throughout her career, Duvall garnered acclaim as a protege of director Robert Altman, starring in notable films such as 'Nashville' and '3 Women'.

Her breakout roles opposite Robin Williams in 'Popeye' and Jack Nicholson in 'The Shining' cemented her status as a household name in cinema.

After a hiatus from acting in 2002, Duvall briefly returned to the screen two decades later in 'The Forest Hills'.

“My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley,” Gilroy said in his heartfelt tribute to Duvall.

Netizens mourn Shelley Duvall's death

Following the news of Shelley Duvall's death broke out, heartfelt messages of sympathy and tribute flooded social media, expressing their condolences to Sarah, who shared a special bond with the beloved actress.

Many expressed gratitude to Sarah for being a comforting presence in the actress's life and for preserving her legacy.

One social media user tweeted, "So sorry for your loss, beautiful I’m glad you got to spend her birthday together, you both look so happy there! I’m sending you all the love and healing in the world rn."

Another added, "My deepest condolences, Sarah. thank you for being such a beautiful presence in Shelley’s life and for sharing her legacy with us."

One individual commented, "Sending u hugs and kisses she will forever be thankful for having a caring friend like you."

"R.I.P. Shelly Duvall," wrote another.

"Rest in peace Shelley! We will miss you," one person said.

"My condolences Sarah. I grew up on the film "Popeye" so she was always Olive Oyl to me," penned another.

"You were the first person i thought of when i heard the news. sending love to you, sarah," one person added.

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