Jennie Garth shares heartbreaking tribute and throwback snaps of 90210 costar Shannen Doherty after her tragic passing: ‘Our connection was real and honest’

Jennie Garth is saddened by the passing of her 90210 colleague Shannen Doherty.

The 52-year-old What I Like About You star, who recently spoke openly about her “rollercoaster” relationship with her body image, went Instagram to share old photos of the two stars and write a lengthy post mourning Shannen’s death.

“I am still processing the immense grief over the loss of my dear friend Shannen, the woman I have often described as one of the strongest people I have ever known,” Garth began.

“Our connection was real and honest. We were pitted against each other so many times, but none of it reflected the truth of our real relationship, which was built on mutual respect and admiration,” she continued in the caption.

The star also added some snaps of the couple laughing together and enjoying a sunny day at the beach.

The 52-year-old What I Like About You star shared throwback photos of the two stars and a lengthy message on Instagram as she mourns Shannen’s death

“She was brave, passionate, determined and so loving and generous. I will miss her and will always hold her in my heart and in my memories. My heart breaks for her family and Bowie,” Garth concluded.

The post touched The Last Cowboy star’s 1.2 million followers, with fans taking to the comments en masse to show their support.

“So sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to your dear friend,” wrote influencer Dr Jessica Wu.

A fan chimed in: ‘I cried like I knew her because we were the same age and I admired her tenacity and acting skills. She has now healed from one pink warrior to another, your earthly presence will be missed.’

The duo starred together in Beverly Hills 90210, which ran from 2008 to 2013.

Shannen Doherty tragically passed away on Saturday at the age of 53 after a years-long battle with breast cancer.

The Fortress star’s tragic death came about a month after she admitted the past year had been “really hard” for her.

On Sunday, Doherty’s publicist Leslie Sloane confirmed the star’s death.

“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,” Sloane said People.

“The devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones and her dog, Bowie. The family requests their privacy at this time so they may grieve in peace,” Sloane added.

“I am still processing my immense grief over the loss of my dear friend Shannen, the woman I have often described as one of the strongest people I have ever known,” Garth began

The couple starred together on Beverly Hills 90210, which ran from 2008 to 2013

“Our connection was real and honest. We were pitted against each other so many times, but none of it reflected the truth of our real relationship, which was built on mutual respect and admiration,” she continued in the caption; Jennie and Shannen seen in 2009

“She was brave, passionate, determined and so loving and generous. I will miss her and will always hold her in my heart and in my memories. My heart breaks for her family and Bowie,” Garth concluded; Shannen, Jennie and Ian Ziering seen in throwback snap

Shannen Doherty tragically passed away on Saturday at the age of 53 after a years-long battle with breast cancer; Jennie, Shannen and Tori Spelling seen in a promotional photo from the past

The Fortress star’s tragic death came about a month after she admitted the past year had been “really hard” for her; Shannen seen in 2019

Last year, she revealed her cancer had spread to her brain in an Instagram post that showed her undergoing radiation therapy; Shannen seen in 2023

Doherty, who played Brenda Walsh on the hit 1990s series, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015.

Just two years later, the Charmed star announced that the cancer had returned, after she went into remission.

She told Good Morning America at the time: ‘In a few days or a week, I’m going to be diagnosed with stage 4. So my cancer has come back and that’s why I’m here.’

“I don’t think I’ve processed it. It’s a bitter pill to swallow in many ways,” she said.

Last year, she announced in an Instagram post that the cancer had spread to her brain, and it showed her undergoing radiation therapy.