Updated: April 14, 2026
Jennie Garth, the beloved star from Beverly Hills, 90210, has captured hearts for decades with her relatable charm and honest approach to life’s ups and downs. Fans often wonder about her personal journey, especially her high-profile marriage and split from actor Peter Facinelli. Their story is one of young love, family, heartbreak, and eventual healing. In her new memoir I Choose Me: Chasing Joy, Finding Purpose, and Embracing Reinvention (releasing today, April 14, 2026), Jennie opens up like never before about the pain of divorce, the road to forgiveness, and how she rebuilt her life. If you’re curious about Jennie Garth ex husband, their shared history, and where they stand today, this deep dive covers everything in a heartfelt way.
Table of Contents
How Jennie Garth and Peter Facinelli Met and Fell in Love
Jennie Garth and Peter Facinelli’s romance began in the mid-1990s when they met on the set of the 1996 TV movie An Unfinished Affair. She was already gaining fame as Kelly Taylor on Beverly Hills, 90210, while he was an up-and-coming actor. Their connection felt electric from the start—fast, passionate, and full of promise. They moved in together quickly, and in 2001, after welcoming their first daughter Luca Bella in 1997, they tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony.
Over the next decade, their family grew with two more daughters, Lola Ray and Fiona Eve. To the outside world, they seemed like the perfect Hollywood couple—balancing busy careers with parenting three girls while supporting each other through projects like the Twilight saga, where Peter played Dr. Carlisle Cullen. Jennie has shared that those early years were filled with love, laughter, and the chaos of raising a young family. Yet, as time passed, cracks began to show. Peter later described their marriage on Jennie’s podcast as feeling somewhat like an “arranged marriage” because things moved so fast when they were both very young. They had disagreements, but for years they made it work, building a life centered around their children.
The Painful Divorce: What Really Happened
In March 2012, after 11 years of marriage and nearly 17 years together, Peter Facinelli filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. Jennie was blindsided. The news hit hard, and she later revealed in interviews and her memoir how the split left her feeling tormented, sad, and deeply hurt. The divorce was finalized in June 2013. Jennie has been candid about the dark period that followed—she struggled with self-medicating through alcohol and pills, even reaching a point where her stomach had to be pumped one night. That wake-up call led her to spend time at Canyon Ranch rehab center, where she began focusing on her own healing.
The emotional weight was immense. Jennie admitted feeling humiliated and questioning her worth. In her book, she recalls a therapist asking her directly, “Why do you want to stay married to someone who doesn’t love you anymore?” That moment became a turning point. She spent years processing the pain, but eventually realized that holding onto resentment was only hurting herself more. Forgiveness, she now says, was her ticket to freedom. It didn’t happen overnight, but letting go allowed her to reclaim her joy and step into a new chapter with confidence.
Co-Parenting Journey and Life Today
Despite the difficult split, Jennie Garth and Peter Facinelli prioritized their three daughters above everything else. They agreed to 50/50 shared custody, a decision Jennie has said she sometimes emotionally regretted because she wanted more time with the girls. Still, she knew it was best for the children to have both parents actively involved. Over the years, they worked through the awkward phases of co-parenting—navigating new partners, holidays, and everyday logistics.
Today, their relationship has evolved into a genuine friendship. Peter has said he loves both Jennie and her husband Dave Abrams, calling their dynamic a “really great place.” In early 2025, during the Los Angeles wildfires, Peter even opened his home to Jennie and Dave, showing how far they’ve come. Jennie is happily married to actor Dave Abrams since 2015 (they had a brief rough patch but reconciled stronger than ever), while Peter is engaged to Lily Anne Harrison and they share a son together. The blended family dynamic feels harmonious now, with open communication and mutual respect at its core.
Here’s a quick overview table with key details:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Marriage Duration | 2001 – 2013 (12 years married, 17 years together) |
| Children | Luca Bella, Lola Ray, Fiona Eve (shared 50/50 custody) |
| Divorce Finalized | June 2013 |
| Current Status | Amicable co-parents and friends |
| Jennie’s Current Husband | Dave Abrams (married 2015) |
| Peter’s Partner | Engaged to Lily Anne Harrison |
| Key Turning Point | Forgiveness and focus on self-healing |
- Shared commitment: Both parents always put the kids first, attending school events and family moments together when needed.
- Healing process: Jennie credits therapy, rehab, and time with helping her move forward.
- Public reflection: Their honest conversations on Jennie’s I Choose Me podcast in 2024 marked the first time they discussed the divorce openly.
- Modern family: Blended family moments now include warmth and support rather than tension.
Finding Strength and Moving Forward
Jennie Garth’s story with her ex-husband Peter Facinelli reminds us that even the most painful chapters can lead to growth and peace. What started as a whirlwind romance turned into heartbreak, but through hard work, forgiveness, and prioritizing family, they transformed their relationship into something healthier. Jennie’s openness in her new memoir shows her strength—she no longer dims her light for anyone. She’s thriving in her marriage to Dave, cherishing time with her daughters (now young adults), and inspiring fans with her message of choosing joy and self-love.
If you’re going through a tough breakup or divorce, Jennie’s journey offers hope: healing is possible, forgiveness can set you free, and new beginnings often come when you least expect them. Her story proves that life after heartbreak can be beautiful, full of purpose, and even better than before.
Conclusion
Jennie Garth and her ex-husband Peter Facinelli’s path from young love to divorce to friendly co-parenting is a real-life example of resilience. Their three daughters remain the heart of the story, and both parents have shown that it’s possible to move on without bitterness. As Jennie releases her memoir today, fans get an even deeper look at the woman behind the headlines—someone who chose herself and found freedom on the other side. Whether you’re a longtime 90210 fan or simply inspired by stories of personal growth, Jennie’s honesty shines through as truly empowering. Here’s to healing, forgiveness, and writing your own next chapter.