Jennie Garthis setting the record straight after being criticized for sharing a photo of her daughters on Instagram while some expected a tribute to her late costarLuke Perry.
In honor of International Women’s Day on Friday, the 46-year-old actress posted a sweet photo of daughters Luca, 21, Lola, 16, and Fiona, 12, whom she shares with ex-husbandPeter Facinelli, 45. It was her first Instagram post sincePerry’s deathat the age of 52 on Monday.
“These women,” Garth captioned the post, adding a variety of colored heart emojis.
“Not cool,” replied Garth, who went on to explain in a separate comment that wanting “to celebrate anything” had been difficult for her in the wake of Perry’s death.
“Hi everyone… I chose to post a pic of my girls today. Because they are my life. Because today is a day to celebrate all women. It took a lot for me to want to celebrate anything. I thought about it and I know that’s the way my dear friend would have wanted it.His kids were his life,” she wrote, adding, “and anyone who knew him knows that and knows he didn’t give a f*#k about social media.”
Garth previously provided PEOPLE with an exclusive statement about Perry’s death: “My heart is broken. He meant so much to so many. Such a very special person. I share my deep sadness with his family and all who loved him. Such a terrible loss.”
Jennie Garth/Instagram
Although Perry was one of the few original castmates who didn’t sign on for the upcomingBeverly Hills, 90210reboot, heremained close to his former costarsin the weeks leading up to his untimely death.
Just one week before his death, Perry texted withTori Spellingand talked to Garth, sending Garth a photo of his daughter Sophie, who hadrecently embarked on a volunteer trip to Malawi.
While neither Spelling nor Garth could ever have imagined that would be the last time they spoke to their friend, the conversation was a fitting example of who Perry was.
“He adored his kids beyond words,” Spelling, 45, tells PEOPLE in this week’s cover story. “Luke was one of the kindest and most humble human beings I’ve ever known.”
Beverly Hills, 90210.Mikel Roberts/Sygma/Getty
Perry famously starred as Dylan McKay on the iconic television series. (He appeared from 1990-95 and again in 1998 until 2000.)
“The family appreciates the outpouring of support and prayers that have been extended to Luke from around the world, and respectfully request privacy in this time of great mourning,” his rep told PEOPLE in a statement. “No further details will be released at this time.”
Breaking his silence on Wednesday, Perry’s Jackshared an emotional tributeto his father.
“He was a lot of things to a lot of people. To me, he was always Dad,” Jack, a wrestler, began histouching Instagram post— which included a throwback photo of the father and son.
“He loved and supported me in everything, and inspired me to be the best that I could possibly be,” he continued. “I’ve learned so much from you, and my heart is broken thinking about everything you won’t be here for.”
Jack Perry/Instagram
Although his father won’t be present to witness future milestone moments in Jack’s life, he vowed to carry on Luke’s legacy.
“I’ll miss you every day that I walk this earth,” wrote Jack. “I’ll do whatever I can to carry on your legacy and make you proud. I love you Dad.”
In lieu of flowers, the Perry family ask that donations be made toFight Colorectal Cancerand St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
source: people.com
