Farrah Fawcett Says Final Goodbyes

Friday, May 15th is the scheduled airdate for Farrah’s Story, a two-hour NBC documentary in which one-time sex symbol Farrah Fawcett tells of her struggle with cancer. Unfortunately, Fawcett's family and doctors are currently unsure whether she will be around to see the broadcast. Having battled cancer for the last two-and-a-half years, the actress' struggle with the devastating illness has taken its toll.

Ryan O’Neal, Fawcett’s partner since 1982, gave a tear-filled interview to People Magazine on her state of health and his current role as caretaker. “It’s a love story. I just don’t know how to play this one. I won’t know this world without her. Cancer is an insidious enemy.”

What started out as anal cancer spread throughout Fawcett’s entire body, eventually reaching her liver. As O’Neal told People, “She stays in bed now. The doctors see that she is comfortable. Farrah is on IVs, but some of that is for nourishment. The treatment has pretty much ended.”

Alana Stewart, an old friend of Fawcett’s, remarks that Farrah’s Story was never supposed to be a documentary. Ironically, Fawcett had brought a hand-held camera along with her for a doctor’s visit, and it was that day when she discovered her cancer had returned. Having decided to keep the cameras rolling, Stewart says of her friend, “She wanted to tell the truth. There were times I’d stop filming because I thought it was too personal and she said, ‘This is what people go through with cancer. Film it.’ So I would.”

Fawcett and O’Neal’s son, Redmond O’Neal, was allowed a three-hour visit with his mother at her home to say what will most likely be his final goodbye. He is currently incarcerated for a drug-related probation violation. This visit can be seen as part of the documentary, and is sure to be a real tear-jerker.

Perhaps the cruelest part of the story is that Fawcett has lost her hair due to the cancer treatment. A noted pop culture figure for years, her signature hairstyle was emulated by millions of women.

Ryan O’Neal has said that Farrah recently wrote him a note that read, “I’ve lived a full and wonderful life. I’ve loved and been loved. I’m happy. I’m ready.”