Life will always be a sentimental journey for Doris Day. “She’s doing very well,” her friend Pierre Patrick exclusively dished to Closer Weekly in a new interview. “She’s very healthy, and she still hums songs.”

Pierre opened up to Closer about details from the 96-year-old star’s life. “For her, it’s all about the animals and her fans,” he admitted of the longtime animal advocate. The Doris Day Animal Foundation recently campaigned for a ballot initiative to ban greyhound racing in Florida, and the resolution passed overwhelmingly in November. “She fought really hard for it,” said Pierre. “That was a major win.”

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In fact, Doris loves her fans and animals so much, she has spent many of her birthdays surrounded by admirers while also raising awareness for animals. “I’ve never been much for big celebrations,” she revealed to Closer after her 95th birthday in April 2017. “Although, I’m thrilled that so many have made it an annual tradition to come to Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA to celebrate my birthday and help raise money for my Doris Day Animal Foundation.” 

Still, to this day, Doris tries to find any way she can raise money for animals in need. A new three-CD expanded edition of her classic 1965 album Latin for Lovers has just been reissued with proceeds to benefit her foundation. “There’s a bonus CD with all these extra tracks,” Pierre revealed. “It’s a brand-new three thing for the holidays.”

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Doris spends hours poring over the fan letters she has received from around the globe. “Her mail is very important to her,” her friend dished. From her home in central California, “She keeps in touch with people in Hollywood or Beverly Hills on the phone. And lots of friends come to visit.”

Lately, she’s started viewing some of her own films on Turner Classic Movies. “She hated to watch her movies — she always thought there was something wrong with them,” Pierre said, noting that the actress has had a recent change-of-heart. “But she’s been watching them almost as a spectator and enjoying them. She’s realized they’re terrific!”

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