Jennie Garth Opens Up About Sobriety Journey in New Memoir

The '90210' star details struggles with fame, divorce, and self-worth on the road to 'choosing me'.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:15pm

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An abstract close-up image of shattered glass and glittering sequins, captured in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to evoke the fragility and glamour of celebrity culture.The glitz and pressure of fame took a toll on Jennie Garth, but her journey to self-acceptance has been a source of inspiration.Beverly Hills Today

In her new memoir 'I Choose Me', actress Jennie Garth reflects on the challenges she faced after achieving fame on '90210', including isolation, body image issues, and a battle with substance abuse following her high-profile divorce. Garth says learning to prioritize her own needs and let go of people-pleasing has been key to her personal growth and healing.

Why it matters

Garth's candid account of her journey to self-acceptance and mental health resonates with many who have experienced the dark side of sudden fame and the difficulties of rebuilding one's life after trauma. Her story highlights the importance of self-care and the power of choosing oneself, even in the face of immense pressure and societal expectations.

The details

Garth details how the instant fame of '90210' left her feeling isolated and hypercritical of her body, describing it as 'like being in The Beatles.' After her 2012 divorce from actor Peter Facinelli, she ended up in rehab at Canyon Ranch following an incident where she had to get her stomach pumped from drinking and taking too many pills. Garth says reconciling with and forgiving Facinelli, as well as her current husband Dave Abrams after fertility struggles, has been crucial to her healing process.

  • Jennie Garth starred on '90210' in the 1990s.
  • Garth divorced her husband of 12 years, Peter Facinelli, in 2012.
  • Garth's new memoir 'I Choose Me' is set to be released on April 14, 2026.

The players

Jennie Garth

A former teen star best known for her role as Kelly Taylor on the hit 1990s TV series '90210', who is now 54 years old and opening up about her personal struggles in a new memoir.

Peter Facinelli

Garth's ex-husband of 12 years, with whom she has reconciled and now co-parents amicably.

Dave Abrams

Garth's current husband, with whom she has worked through fertility struggles.

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What they’re saying

“It was like being in The Beatles. There was no preparation for it. It was scary and unknown for all of us, and it was like sink or swim, just survive and figure it out as you go. It was major on-the-job training.”

— Jennie Garth, Actress

“Once you really get to the core of what you want for your life, that's when everything seems to get easier.”

— Jennie Garth, Actress

What’s next

Garth's memoir 'I Choose Me' is set to be released on April 14, 2026, providing readers with an intimate look at her journey to self-acceptance and mental health.

The takeaway

Jennie Garth's candid account of her struggles with fame, divorce, and substance abuse highlights the importance of prioritizing self-care and the power of choosing oneself, even in the face of immense pressure and societal expectations. Her story serves as an inspiration for those who have experienced similar challenges in their own lives.