Jennie Garth Opens Up About Love and Reinvention in New Memoir
Jennie Garth is stepping back into the spotlight to share the intimate details of her personal journey. With the release of her memoir, I Choose Me: Chasing Joy, Finding Purpose, and Embracing Reinvention, on April 14, 2026, the actress is providing a transparent look at her marriages, her motherhood, and the lessons learned through heartbreak and reconciliation.
Known for her iconic role on Beverly Hills, 90210, Garth uses her new book and accompanying podcast to explore the complexities of her romantic history and her path toward self-discovery.
The Early Marriages: Daniel B. Clark and Peter Facinelli
Garth’s journey through marriage began in 1994 when she wed musician Daniel B. Clark. The relationship was brief, with the couple divorcing two years later in 1996 [1].
Following that split, Garth found a long-term partnership with actor Peter Facinelli. The pair were married from 2001 to 2012 [1]. Their 17-year relationship [3] produced three daughters: Luca Bella (born 1997), Lola Ray (born 2002), and Fiona Eve (born 2006) [2]. Despite their eventual divorce, the two have maintained a cooperative relationship for their children, as evidenced by Garth recalling a time her family sheltered at Facinelli’s home during Los Angeles fires [4].
Navigating the Ups and Downs with Dave Abrams
In 2014, Garth met Dave Abrams on a blind date [2]. The relationship progressed quickly, leading to an engagement during Garth’s 43rd birthday and a wedding on July 11, 2015, at her home in Los Olivos, California [2].
However, the marriage faced significant challenges. By 2017, the couple hit a rough patch following unsuccessful attempts to expand their family [1]. The situation escalated in April 2018 when Abrams filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences [2]. Garth later admitted that finding out about the filing through TMZ was a significant blow [2].
Despite the separation, the couple chose to operate through their issues. Abrams withdrew the divorce petition by February 2019, and the pair reconciled [2]. Garth has since attributed their reconciliation to mutual personal growth, stating that they both had “separate learning to do” before coming back together [2].
Reflecting on Her “First True Love”
While her marriages have defined much of her public romantic history, Garth has recently opened up about a relationship that never officially happened. In an April 2026 interview with People, she referred to her Beverly Hills, 90210 costar, the late Luke Perry, as her first true love [1].
Garth explained that the intimate romantic storylines between her character, Kelly, and Perry’s character, Dylan, caused her to develop real-life feelings [1]. While she acknowledges that many fans imagined Perry as their first love, she believes there was something genuinely special and real in their relationship [1].
Key Takeaways: Jennie Garth’s Relationship Timeline
- Daniel B. Clark: Married from 1994 to 1996.
- Peter Facinelli: Married from 2001 to 2012; parents to three daughters (Luca Bella, Lola Ray, and Fiona Eve).
- Dave Abrams: Met in 2014, married in 2015. Faced a brief separation and divorce filing in 2018, but reconciled in 2019.
- Luke Perry: Identified by Garth as her first true love, though they never officially dated.
Through her memoir and public reflections, Jennie Garth continues to embrace reinvention, turning her past challenges into a roadmap for finding joy and purpose.