Jennie Garth Opens Up About Grieving the Loss of Shannen Doherty
Shannen Doherty and Jennie Garth Darlene Hammond/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Actress Jennie Garth is still reeling from the loss of her dear friend and former costar Shannen Doherty, who passed away in July 2023 after a long battle with cancer.
During a recent appearance on the Today Show, Garth, 52, shared that she’s still grappling with the grief of losing her friend. “It’s still really fresh, [I’m] still processing the grief,” she said. “I was in shock because we all know that Shannon was fighting cancer for a long time, but I don’t know, there was just something about her. She was such a fighter and a pro. I just didn’t think that would happen for some reason.”
Garth added, “It was pretty shocking for all of us.”
Doherty’s publicist, Leslie Sloane, confirmed the actress’s passing to Us Weekly in a statement on July 14, 2023.
Prior to her passing, Shannen Doherty made a name for herself in film and television, starting her career as a child star on Little House on the Prairie and going on to appear in the dark comedic film Heathers. Doherty’s fame continued to grow after her iconic role as Brenda Walsh on the hit TV show Beverly Hills, 90210.
Garth also shared that her Beverly Hills, 90210 costar Jason Priestley reached out to offer his condolences after Doherty’s passing. “It is always nice to have your brothers and sisters from that experience be able to support one another in all times — in happy times and sad times, now,” Garth said. “It just brings us closer.”
Garth, Priestley, and Doherty all starred on Beverly Hills, 90210, which aired on Fox from 1990 to 2000, playing the roles of Kelly Taylor, Brandon Walsh, and Brenda Walsh, respectively.
Garth was one of the first of Doherty’s former costars to speak out in the wake of her death, taking to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute to her friend. “I am still processing my tremendous grief over the loss of my long time friend Shannen,” Garth wrote. “The woman I have often described as one of the strongest people I have ever known. Our connection was real and honest.”
The actress continued, “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. She was courageous, passionate, determined and very loving and generous. I will miss her and will always honor her deeply in my heart and in my memories. My heart breaks for her family and Bowie 
.”