Shelley Fabares' cause of death revealed

The Coach star died in Los Angeles on Saturday (22.08.26) at the age of 82 with her family revealing she had suffered a brief illness prior to her passing. It has now been revealed the TV star was struck down by lung condition pneumonia, according to PEOPLE, following numerous health battles over the years including a diagnosis with autoimmune hepatitis and undergoing a liver transplant in 2000.

Shelley is survived by her M*A*S*H star husband Mike Farrell, and her stepchildren, and the family confirmed the sad news of her death in a statement which read: "[She was a ] source of love, strength, laughter, and comfort. 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."

Shelley was also remembered by her longtime Coach co-star Craig T. Nelson, who called the actress an “extraordinary woman” who became a foundational part of his life.

The 82-year-old actor - who starred opposite Shelley for nine seasons of the ABC sports sitcom - told Entertainment Weekly: "Shelley was a great and grand lady… just a rock. I will miss her. She was a foundational part of my life during the run of Coach."

He continued: "(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."

Craig and Shelley spent almost a decade playing one of the central couples in Coach, which ran on ABC from 1989 until 1997.

The comedy followed Hayden as he attempted to balance his obsession with football and his work coaching the fictional Minnesota State University Screaming Eagles with his personal life and relationship with his wife Christine.

The role earned Craig the Primetime Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series in 1992 after nominations in the same category in 1990 and 1991. Shelley received two Emmy nominations for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series for playing Christine.