When the news broke on July 13, 2024, that Shannen Doherty had passed away at 53, the internet didn't just mourn a TV icon. It immediately turned its collective gaze toward her former costars. Specifically, everyone wanted to know: how is Jennie Garth doing?
Honestly, the relationship between Jennie Garth and Shannen Doherty was the stuff of Hollywood legend. It wasn't just "tv drama." It was real, messy, and sometimes physical. But when death enters the room, all those old tabloids about "on-set feuds" feel incredibly small.
Jennie has been remarkably open about the "tremendous grief" she's felt since losing Shannen. She hasn't sugarcoated it. She hasn't pretended they were best friends every single second for thirty years. Instead, she’s given us a raw look at what it’s like to lose someone you grew up with—someone you fought with, respected, and eventually, loved in a way only sisters can understand.
The "Punch in the Stomach" Moment
Jennie was actually out of town with her husband, Dave Abrams, when she got the call. She described the feeling as being "punched in the stomach." You’ve probably felt that before—that instant, nauseating realization that the world has shifted and you can't shift it back.
On her podcast, I Choose Me with Jennie Garth, she admitted she’d basically convinced herself Shannen was going to beat it. Shannen was the "strongest woman around." She was a fighter. Even though the world knew she was battling Stage 4 breast cancer, Jennie saw a "glimmer of hope" in Shannen's own recent podcast episodes.
When the reality hit, Jennie didn't jump on Instagram immediately. She couldn't. Her phone was blowing up with condolences, but she wanted to crawl into a hole. She spent those first few days just trying to process the fact that another piece of her "90210" family was gone, following the death of Luke Perry in 2019.
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Moving Past the "Skirt Up" Feud
We have to talk about the history because it’s what makes their final peace so meaningful. Back in the '90s, they were young, famous, and constantly pitted against each other. Shannen recently told a story on her own podcast, Let’s Be Clear, about an explosive fight they had on set.
Basically, Jennie was doing this "Pants Down Day" prank with the crew. Shannen, not one to be outdone, decided to do "Skirt Up Day" to Jennie. Jennie—who happened to be wearing men’s Calvin Klein boxers under her skirt—was not amused.
Things got heated. Fast.
It was a "take it outside" kind of moment. Brian Austin Green and Ian Ziering actually had to step in to keep them from getting physical. Jennie has since joked about being a "Midwestern girl" who doesn't back down, but looking back, she’s been clear: the industry taught them to be threatened by each other. It taught them to be competitive instead of supportive.
Why Their Bond Remained Unbreakable
Despite the "Pants Down" drama and the years of rumors, Jennie and Shannen found their way back to each other. They didn't need to be inseparable to have a "real and honest" connection.
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- Mutual Respect: Jennie has often said Shannen was one of the most talented people she ever worked with.
- Shared Trauma: They both dealt with the intense pressure of 1990s fame at a very young age.
- The 90210 Group Chat: After Shannen died, Jason Priestley was the first to message the cast group chat. Jennie revealed the message was simple but heavy: "no more loss."
One of the most touching memories Jennie shared recently was from a '90s Con event. Shannen was taking a private plane back and invited a few people. Jennie felt a little "ouch" because she wasn't initially asked, but right before they left, Shannen walked up and said, "We’re going on this plane. You’re welcome to come with us, Jennie."
It was a small gesture, but it meant everything. It was Shannen's way of saying: We're good. You're part of this.
The 2025 Oscars Snub: "Messed Up"
Fast forward to March 2025. The Academy Awards aired their "In Memoriam" segment, and Shannen Doherty was nowhere to be seen on the screen.
Jennie didn't hold back. When TMZ caught up with her in New York, she called the omission "messed up." She agreed that the Academy should probably apologize. For Jennie, it wasn't just about a slide in a montage; it was about honoring a woman who worked in Hollywood for 45 years.
It's clear that Jennie has stepped into a role of protector for Shannen's legacy. She isn't just a former costar anymore; she's a witness to Shannen's life.
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How the Cast is Leaning on Each Other Now
The Beverly Hills, 90210 cast has become a sort of "survivors club." They’ve lost Luke, they’ve lost Shannen, and they’ve lost several crew members and creators.
Jennie says they reach out to each other more now. They tell each other "I love you" more often. There’s a new clarity that comes with being in your 50s and seeing your peers pass away.
She often talks about feeling Shannen’s spirit. She’s mentioned that she still "talks" to Luke Perry when she has big decisions to make, and she feels that same lingering presence with Shannen. It’s a "stone in your pocket" kind of grief—you get used to the weight, but you never really put it down.
Actionable Takeaways from Jennie’s Journey
If you’re following Jennie Garth on Shannen Doherty death to find some sense of closure or advice, here is what her experience teaches us about long-term friendship and loss:
- Don't wait to "bury the hatchet." You don't have to be best friends with everyone you've clashed with, but finding a baseline of "mutual respect" can save you a lot of regret later.
- Acknowledge the "outside forces." Jennie realized that a lot of her tension with Shannen was manufactured by the media and a competitive workplace. Recognize when your "feuds" aren't actually yours.
- Grief isn't linear. Jennie’s "punch in the stomach" feeling didn't go away in a week. It’s okay to still be processing a loss months or years later.
- Speak up for those who can't. Jennie’s vocal defense of Shannen during the Oscars snub shows the importance of loyalty that extends beyond the grave.
The story of Jennie and Shannen isn't just about a TV show. It's about two women who refused to let their teenage mistakes define their adult relationship. It’s a reminder that even the most "convoluted" relationships can end in a place of peace.
Next Steps for Fans: If you want to hear the full, unedited version of Jennie’s tribute, listen to the July 18, 2024 episode of her podcast, I Choose Me with Jennie Garth, titled "I Choose...To Grieve The Loss of Shannen Doherty." It features her best friend and therapist, Adele House, and offers a deep look into the specific ways the 90210 cast is supporting Shannen’s mother and her beloved dog, Bowie.