Jennie Garth Opens Up About “Darkest Period” After Divorce in New Memoir

Actress Jennie Garth is sharing new details about a difficult chapter in her life following her 2012 divorce from actor Peter Facinelli. The revelations appear in her upcoming memoir, I Choose Me: Chasing Joy, Finding Purpose, and Embracing Reinvention, scheduled for release on April 14, 2026.

Garth, best known for her role on Beverly Hills, 90210, writes that the end of her marriage led to a period of emotional distress during which she began self-medicating. She describes one incident in which she combined alcohol and pills, resulting in a medical emergency that required hospitalization and having her stomach pumped.

According to Garth, the experience became a turning point. She recalls noticing a change in herself, saying she felt her “light really dimming” and recognized that her grief and anger were affecting both her health and her relationship with her three daughters.

Following the incident, Garth sought treatment at Canyon Ranch, a wellness and rehabilitation center. She credits her recovery in part to a decision to let go of resentment and forgive Facinelli, which she describes as essential to moving forward.

Now 54, Garth says she has maintained sobriety for several years. She lives in California with her husband, actor Dave Abrams, and continues to co-parent amicably with Facinelli.

The memoir expands on themes from her podcast of the same name and combines personal stories with motivational advice. Garth has been promoting the book in recent days, including appearances at charity events in Los Angeles with her daughters.