Beloved Soap and TV Actress Dead at 66
Adrian KimActress Dolores “Dee” Freeman is best known for her role on the soap opera “The Young and the Restless” and the Tyler Perry’s TV series “Sistas.” Sadly she has died at the age of 66 following a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis.
Her family confirmed the sad news in an Instagram post where they shared, “Dee passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026 after a brave and fearless fight with cancer. Thank you to everyone who supported Dee during her battle. It blew her away to know how many people cared about her and were pulling for her. We know Dee is up there in heaven being the force of nature she always was. Now she’s doing it with her angel wings on. Rest in peace, Dee.”
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In a statement, Freeman’s publicist, Desirae L. Benson, said about Freeman, “Dee wasn’t just my client—she was someone I truly respected and admired.” She added, “She carried herself with a level of grace, strength, and authenticity that is rare. Even in the face of stage 4 lung cancer, she showed up with courage and dignity. Dee had a quiet power that commanded respect without ever needing to demand it. Her legacy is not just in her work, but in how she made people feel—and that will stay with us forever.”
Before starting her acting career, Freeman served in the United States Marine Corps for six years. Her very first on-screen roles was in 1995 on the ABC sitcom “Coach.”
She was born in Louisiana in 1959. She joined the Marines right out of high school and then turned to her creative side, pursuing theater. She eventually moved to Los Angeles and worked in the entertainment industry for 20 years.
Freeman has two children, Amber and Shane, who Benson describes as Freeman’s “greatest pride.” Benson also shares that Freeman “was deeply loved by her family, friends, and colleagues—remembered not only for her immense talent, but for her warmth, integrity, and the light she brought into every room.”
Shane was with his mother during her final moments, and when he asked her how she was doing, she responded, “Can’t complain. On the other side doesn’t do you any good.”