After nearly two decades together, Tori Spelling is ready to turn the page. The actress and entrepreneur opened up for the first time about finalizing her divorce from Dean McDermott, describing it as a surprisingly calm transition and “one of the easiest divorces” Hollywood has seen.
Speaking on her podcast misSPELLING, Spelling shared that she and McDermott, who separated in 2023, settled their divorce through mediation in late October – nearly three years after their initial split. “I am officially divorced,” she said. “It’s been quite a journey. But honestly, this was one of the easiest divorces ever. You can quote me on that.”
A Peaceful End to a Public Marriage
Spelling, 52, and McDermott, 58, were married for 18 years and together for 20. Their relationship – often in the public eye – had its share of ups and downs, yet Spelling emphasized how smoothly the divorce unfolded.
“It’s a testament to both of us,” she said, noting that the pair were determined to lead with maturity and compassion. “We wanted to step up and be there for the five humans we chose to create out of love.”
The couple shares five children – Liam Aaron (18), Stella Doreen (17), Hattie Margaret (14), Finn Davey (13), and Beau Dean (8) – who remain their shared priority. “We’re setting a good example of how families can divorce, uncouple, and still show up for each other,” Spelling said.
“Drama-Free” and Built on Respect
The Beverly Hills, 90210 alum described her relationship with McDermott today as friendly and respectful. “It’s so amicable,” she said. “We have no drama. This is a drama-free uncoupling and divorce.”
Unlike many Hollywood splits, Spelling and McDermott avoided drawn-out legal battles, choosing mediation over court proceedings. “Neither of us asked each other for anything,” she added. “We came out of this with a clean slate.”
Court filings obtained note that Spelling’s request for spousal and child support was ordered, with the official date of separation listed as June 17, 2023.
Redefining What Divorce Looks Like
Spelling’s openness reflects a broader cultural shift around how public figures discuss personal transformation. Much like Gwyneth Paltrow’s “conscious uncoupling” moment years earlier, Spelling’s tone is calm and forward-looking.
“Dean and I will remain friends,” she said. “We get along better now than we did in our marriage – as two humans who genuinely love and care about each other and our kids. There’s nothing messy about it.”
She also spoke about the importance of removing the stigma from divorce. “Dean will always be one of my life partners. Our children seeing that takes the nasty connotation of divorce off the table.”
Moving On – With Grace
Both have already begun new chapters. McDermott has been romantically linked to Lily Cao since late 2023, and Spelling has publicly supported the relationship. “I grieved and mourned the relationship during it,” she said earlier this year. “So when Dean moved on, that part was okay. My focus was just on the kids.”
For Spelling, this next chapter appears rooted in balance, co-parenting, and personal reinvention – an approach that aligns more with modern entrepreneurial resilience than Hollywood melodrama.
As she put it: “It’s been quite a journey, but we came out stronger, as individuals and as a family.”
