Craig T. Nelson pays tribute to 'Coach' co-star Shelley Fabares after her death at 82

Craig T. Nelson has paid tribute to Shelley Fabares, his 'Coach' co-star of nine years, following her death at 82

Craig T. Nelson has paid tribute to Shelley Fabares following the death of his longtime Coach co-star at the age of 82.

Fabares died on Saturday surrounded by loved ones, her family confirmed to PEOPLE. She was best known to a later generation of television viewers for playing Christine Armstrong, the love interest and eventual wife of Nelson’s character, Hayden Fox, on the ABC sports sitcom Coach.

Nelson shared a statement with Entertainment Weekly through his representative, remembering Fabares as an important part of his life during the series’ nine-season run.

“Shelley was a great and grand lady… just a rock. I will miss her,” Nelson said. “She was a foundational part of my life during the run of Coach.”

He also described Fabares as “just an extraordinary woman” and recalled her approach to working with others.

“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.”

Fabares joined Coach after establishing a career in television and film that began during childhood. She secured her first screen role in 1954, aged 10, appearing on The Loretta Young Show.

Her role as Christine Armstrong on Coach earned her two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. She was nominated in consecutive years for her performance on the sitcom.

Fabares’ former One Day at a Time co-star Glenn Scarpelli also shared a tribute, recalling their lifelong connection and saying they had remained in contact since they first met.