Jennie Garth is ‘still processing’ the death of girlfriend Shannen Doherty

Jennie Garth is “absolutely” still mourning the loss of her friend and former costar Shannen Doherty.

“It’s still very fresh, [I’m] still processing the grief,” Garth, 52, said during a televised appearance on Friday, July 26 Today Toon. “I was in shock because we all know Shannon had been battling cancer for a long time, but I don’t know, there was just something about her. She was such a fighter and a professional. I just didn’t think this would happen for some reason.”

She concluded: “It was quite shocking for all of us.”

Doherty died at age 53 after a long battle with cancer, her publicist said. Leslie Sloaneconfirmed We weekly in a statement on July 14.

Related: Shannen Doherty’s life in photos

Prior to her death in July 2024, Shannen Doherty made a name for herself in film and television. Born in April 1971 in Memphis, the actress began her career as a child star in Little House on the Prairie and then appeared in the dark comedy film Heathers. Doherty’s fame continued to grow afterward […]

“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of battling the disease,” the statement said. “The devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend were surrounded by her loved ones and her dog Bowie. The family requests their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace.”

Garth confirmed this on Friday Today appearance that they Beverly Hills, 90210 Co-star Jason Priestley got in touch after Doherty’s death.

“It’s always nice to see that your brothers and sisters from that experience can support each other at all times – in both happy and sad times,” said Garth. “It just brings us closer together.”

Garth, Priestley and Doherty all played leading roles Beverly Hills, 90210 – aired on Fox from 1990 to 2000 – as Kelly Taylor, Brandon Walsh and Brenda Walsh, respectively.

Garth was one of the first of Doherty’s former costars to speak out after her death. (Various former Beverly Hills, 90210 have also spoken out since then.)

“I am still processing my immense sadness over the loss of my long-time friend Shannen,” Garth shared via Instagram on July 14. “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 faced each other so many times, but none of it reflected the truth of our real relationship, which was based on mutual respect and admiration. She was courageous, passionate, determined and very loving and generous. I will miss her and always honor her deeply in my heart and in my memories. My heart breaks for her family and Bowie 💔.”