When you think of Doris Day, you probably picture her dazzling smile on the big screen or hear her timeless voice singing classics. But there was so much more to this legendary star than her Hollywood persona. For instance, did you know that Doris loved nothing more than cruising along California’s breathtaking coastline? It was one of her favorite pastimes, especially from her home in Carmel.

A Day in the Life with Doris

“She had a knack for turning the simplest moments into something magical,” says her cherished friend, Meg Howard, in a heartwarming conversation with Closer. “We’d take the scenic route, watching families stroll along the beach with their dogs, soaking in the beauty of it all.” And those outings didn’t stop there. Doris and her friends would often grab sandwiches, park at Mission Ranch, and lose themselves in music while observing sheep grazing peacefully in the fields.

In her later years, after hanging up her acting hat and fully embracing her role as an advocate for animal welfare through the Doris Day Animal Foundation, Doris was never short of companionship. Even though she faced the devastating loss of her only child, Terry Melcher, to cancer in 2004, she surrounded herself with a tight-knit group of friends who shared her mission to create a kinder world for animals.

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Friends Who Became Family

“Doris was one of those rare individuals who could find joy in life’s simplest pleasures,” reflects Lea Price in a touching interview with Closer. “Her happiness came from her cozy home, meaningful friendships, and her unwavering dedication to helping animals and the people who adore them.” Many of these friends started out as fans and fellow animal lovers who reached out to Doris about her incredible career. She didn’t just respond to their letters—she formed lasting connections with them.

Take Mary Clark, for example, who remembers Doris fondly as someone without an ounce of ego. “She was down-to-earth and genuinely cared about everyone around her,” Mary shares. “In the early days, she was like a mother figure to all of us. But over time, she became a true confidante—a friend you could trust with anything.”

Teamwork and Daily Adventures

As Doris grew older, Lea, Mary, and Meg became an indispensable part of her daily routine. They worked together to manage the flood of fan mail Doris received. “We had a little assembly line going,” Mary laughs. “I’d open a letter with Doris, she’d read it, and then dictate a thoughtful reply to Lea. It was such a fun way to bond.” Beyond handling correspondence, they also took care of everyday tasks like walking the dogs, running errands, and even helping Doris redecorate when inspiration struck.

“Doris adored rearranging furniture—it was practically her favorite hobby!” Lea exclaims. “She had an incredible eye for design and loved exploring fabric shops and boutique stores for new pieces. She’d walk into a room, look around, and say, ‘Let’s move this over here.’ It was always exciting to see her creativity in action.”

Doris’ Greatest Passion: Her Four-Legged Friends

Of course, nothing lit up Doris’ life quite like her work with animals. She affectionately referred to them as her “four-leggers” and considered advocating for their well-being her life’s purpose. “Before Doris began her animal advocacy, not many people thought twice about adopting pets from shelters or rescue groups,” Mary explains. “But Doris changed all that. Through public service announcements and her tireless efforts, she opened people’s eyes to the importance of giving homeless animals a second chance.”

This April marks what would have been Doris’ 100th birthday, and fans and supporters worldwide are planning a year-long celebration to honor her remarkable legacy. Two special releases are already lined up: a limited edition of her 2011 album My Heart and a stunning book of rare photographs titled Doris Day: Images of a Hollywood Icon.

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The Doris Day Animal Foundation is also leveraging social media with the #DorisDay100 campaign to raise $100,000 for Ukrainian relief efforts. Later this year, Julien’s Auctions will host a sale of Doris’ personal memorabilia. “Animals gave Doris unconditional love,” says Lea. “Their welfare was truly the driving force behind everything she did.”