Jennie Garth Remembers Last Conversation With Shannen Doherty: Despite ‘Complicated’ Relationship, ‘We Still Loved Each Other’
In the aftermath of Shannen Doherty‘s recent death, her fellow Beverly Hills, 90210 alum Jennie Garth says that their at-times “complicated” relationship did not mean that the two actresses didn’t care for each other.
Doherty, 53, died Sunday after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. Garth reflects on their last interaction in the most recent edition of her podcast, I Choose Me With Jennie Garth.
“I also keep remembering the last word that she said to me,” she says. “It was just an example of, even though our relationship was complicated at times, or was convoluted at times by outside forces that just sort of crept in for both of us, we still loved each other.”
Garth recalls being with Doherty and other 90210 cast members at a 1990s nostalgia convention, when Doherty had access to a private plane and was offering a ride back to Los Angeles for those who wanted it. Garth says she was feeling a little hurt from not being asked, even though she was traveling to New York. “But she came up to me right before they left, and she was like, ‘We’re going on this plane. You’re welcome to come with us, Jennie.’ And I can see her saying it.”
She adds: “That just keeps playing over and over in my mind.”
Garth also mentions that Jason Priestley “of course” was the first to message the 90210 cast’s group text after hearing about Doherty’s death (“and just say, ‘I love you guys,’ and ‘this is insane’ and ‘no more, no more loss'”) and that Doherty’s passing churned up feelings about fellow West Beverly Hills High alum Luke Perry’s death in 2019.
“I never chose to speak publicly very much at all about Luke’s passing. Didn’t put up a post or anything,” Garth says. “I just didn’t know how to handle that, and I didn’t feel compelled to let my feelings out there.”
After learning of Doherty’s death, Garth posted to Instagram: “I am still processing my tremendous grief over the loss of my long time friend Shannen, the woman I have often described as one of the strongest people I have ever known. Our connection was real and honest. We were so often pitted against each other but none of that reflected the truth of our real relationship which was one built on mutual respect and admiration.”
In the podcast, she adds: “This one felt, I don’t know, felt different but the same.”
Jennie that was a great tribute to Shannen. I think both of you know how much you love each other I hope you feel better in the near future it will take time I wish the best for you Jennie!!!!