Los Angeles, CA – In a refreshing departure from the typical Hollywood divorce drama, actress Tori Spelling has revealed that her split from husband Dean McDermott is anything but ugly. In a recent interview, the Beverly Hills, 90210 alum opened up about their “amicable” co-parenting relationship and McDermott’s unwavering support.
“We’re amicable,” Spelling told PEOPLE at the Gala of the Stars event. “I know in Hollywood people think divorces have to be ugly; ours are not. We co-parent well, we’re good friends, and he’s one of my biggest supporters.”
Spelling, 51, filed for divorce from the Canadian actor, 57, in March, citing irreconcilable differences. But despite the end of their marriage, the pair have maintained a healthy, supportive dynamic as they navigate co-parenting their five children: Liam, 17, Stella, 16, Hattie and Finn, 12, and Beau, 7.
“We co-parent well, we’re good friends, and he’s one of my biggest supporters,” Spelling reiterated, breaking the mold of the typical Hollywood split.
The actress candidly balanced her personal and professional commitments, admitting, “It’s not easy.” However, she credits her children’s unwavering support as a critical factor in helping her manage it all.
“But hey, we all do it. My kids are supportive,” Spelling said. “The older ones care for the little one now, so it’s a built-in community in our household.”
One of Spelling’s most challenging periods was her time on the hit reality competition series Dancing with the Stars. Being away from her family for hours of intense training each day tested her work-life balance.
“But the hardest was being away when I was dancing with the Stars because that was full-time every day, five hours a day, and just all-consuming,” she recalled. “So everything else is easy after that.”
Spelling and her dance partner, Pasha Pashkov, were among the first to be eliminated from the 2023 Dancing with the Stars season on September 24. While the experience was challenging, Spelling’s children were nothing but supportive.
“They were proud of me, especially when my older one texted me, and they were just like, ‘We know this is a big fear, and you step out of your comfort zone. You’re such an example for us, and you can do anything you want to do, and it makes us believe so can we,'” Spelling said, clearly touched by her kids’ words of encouragement.
Now that she’s back to her “mom” duties full-time, Spelling’s children are thrilled to have her more accessible. “I’m just back to being a mom now,” she said. “They’re glad I can be their Uber driver and pick them up at all times now; I don’t have to go to dance.”
Spelling’s open and honest approach to her divorce and co-parenting journey is a refreshing departure from the typical celebrity drama that often dominates Hollywood headlines. By maintaining a supportive, amicable relationship with her ex-husband, Spelling sets an example of navigating the challenges of ending a marriage while prioritizing their family’s well-being.
As Spelling continues to balance her acting career and motherhood, it’s clear that she has a robust support system in McDermott and her children. This proves that even in the glaring spotlight of the entertainment industry, it is possible to find a peaceful path forward after a split.