Tori Spelling recently opened up about a life-changing conversation with her daughter that played a crucial role in her decision to divorce Dean McDermott.
The reality TV star, 51, shared on her misSPELLING podcast that it was her 13-year-old daughter, Hattie, who helped her realize it was time to part ways with her husband after 18 years of marriage.
A Thoughtful Question from Hattie
It all began when Hattie asked her mother a question that would change everything.
Spelling recalled how her daughter, who was fully aware of her parents’ struggles, approached her with a heartfelt inquiry.
Hattie preface her statement by expressing her love for both of her parents and acknowledging how long they had been together.
Then, she asked, “Have you ever considered what it would be like to be with someone else and not Dad and get treated right?”
This simple, yet powerful question made Spelling stop and think about her own happiness and well-being.
Realizing the Impact on the Kids
Spelling explained that, at that point, she realized it had become more harmful for her children to witness the ongoing tension between her and McDermott.
“We could no longer hide what was happening,” she admitted.
The couple’s struggles, particularly McDermott’s battle with addiction, were affecting their family dynamics, and it was no longer something they could shield the kids from.
“I didn’t like the person I was,” Spelling reflected.
“Trying to raise strong humans and just taking it and taking it.”
It was a painful time, and she felt torn between staying for the kids and making the difficult decision to leave for her own emotional well-being.
The Struggles Behind Closed Doors
Spelling went on to explain that McDermott’s addiction issues were deeply affecting their marriage.
At one point, he was even placed on psychiatric hold after suicidal ideation.
During that time, their children noticed the changes, and Spelling recalled how her son, Finn, expressed concern about his father’s anger issues.
“I hope they have surgery on him, and they take out his anger,” Finn said.
Spelling couldn’t help but feel devastated that her children were forced to witness such a difficult chapter in their family life.
Hattie’s Brave Conversation
Despite the fear and emotional weight, Hattie was brave enough to speak up, even though she was scared to bring up the topic.
Spelling explained how children often wish for their parents to stay together, but deep down, Hattie understood that staying in an unhealthy situation wasn’t the right choice for the family’s long-term happiness.
“I think the want of kids, just always wanting their parents together, I think kept me from making what was outwardly a better decision for them than what they saw between two partners,” Spelling shared.
It was this perspective that ultimately led her to file for divorce.
The Divorce and Moving On
Tori Spelling officially filed for divorce from McDermott in March 2024, citing “irreconcilable differences” and listing June 17, 2023, as the date of their separation.
The couple shares five children: Liam, 18, Stella, 16, Finn, 12, Beau, 8, and Hattie.
Since their split, McDermott has celebrated one year of sobriety, sharing his milestone on social media, and has moved on with his new girlfriend, Lily Calo.
Spelling, on the other hand, has rekindled her romance with advertising CEO Ryan Cramer.
The couple recently made their red carpet debut, more than a year after dating rumors first began circulating.
As the future unfolds for both Tori and Dean, it’s clear they’re each navigating their own paths, shaped by the painful but necessary decisions they’ve made.
What’s next for them? Only time will tell.