Craig T. Nelson has paid tribute to his "extraordinary" co-star Shelley Fabares following her death at the age of 82. Fabares, who portrayed news anchor Christine Armstrong, the wife of Nelson's character Hayden Fox on the popular sitcom "Coach," died on Saturday after a brief illness, her family confirmed.
"Shelley was a great and grand lady… just a rock. I will miss her," Nelson said in a statement. "She was a foundational part of my life during the run of 'Coach.' 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."
Nelson and Fabares starred as husband and wife on "Coach" for all nine seasons of the show, which aired on ABC from 1989 to 1997. The series followed Hayden Fox, the head coach of the Minnesota State University Screaming Eagles football team, as he navigated the challenges of his high-pressure career and personal relationships.
Both actors received critical acclaim for their roles. Nelson won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 1992 and earned nominations in 1990 and 1991. Fabares received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her portrayal of Christine Armstrong.
In a 1990 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Fabares discussed the evolving relationship between Hayden and Christine on "Coach." "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," she said. "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."
Fabares' family described her in a statement to People 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." They added, "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 concluded 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."
Fabares was also known for her earlier role as Mary Stone on "The Donna Reed Show."