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In 2023, Dean McDermott posted that his marriage to Tori Spelling was over. Spelling did not post a divorce announcement on her social media account. As quickly as McDermott’s post went up, it disappeared, leading to confusion and concern among fans. The couple has since split. On her podcast, MisSPELLING, Spelling has been breaking down exactly what went wrong in her marriage. In a recent episode, she recalled the infamous post and revealed exactly what she thought when she saw McDermott’s Instagram announcement. It is not what you would expect.

Tori Spelling recalled the moment she saw Dean McDermott’s divorce announcement

Tori Spelling had no clue Dean McDermott would post a breakup announcement on Instagram. While McDermott didn’t discuss his post with Spelling beforehand, she wasn’t angry or upset by it. In fact, Spelling insists she felt relief. Spelling said it was like a weight was lifted off her shoulders. The decision was finally out of her hands.

Tori Spelling and Dean Mcdermott attend Luskin Orthopedic Institute For Children Gala at Universal Studios Hollywood on June 10, 2023
Tori Spelling and Dean Mcdermott | Andrew J Cunningham/Getty Images

During an episode of her podcast, misSPELLING, Spelling revealed her first thought after seeing the post: “Oh, thank God.” Spelling revealed that McDermott acted “emotionally” when making the post and later apologized and took it down. However, the damage was done.

The public announcement was the push the couple needed to separate for good. They were not seen in public together again. However, photographers captured the former flames, moving things out of their house and moving about the state of California separately during the summer of 2023.  

Spelling has also opened up about the end of her marriage in previous episodes. All told, she seems thankful that McDermott hit the post button. She insists she wanted out but didn’t have the courage to take the step. Once McDermott did, everything else fell into place.

How long were Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott married?

Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott’s relationship has been well-documented. The former couple first met on the set of a TV movie in 2005. They were instantly attracted to each other and began an affair. McDermott was married to Mary Jo Eustace then, while Spelling had only recently married Charlie Shanian.

Tori Spelling and Charlie Shanian are pictured together at the New York premiere of '50 Ways to Leave Your Lover' in 2004
Tori Spelling and Charlie Shanian | Shareif Ziyadat/FilmMagic

In 2006, the duo married after both of their divorces were finalized. Their early marriage was filmed for their reality TV series, Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood. Rumors of trouble in the marriage started early and persisted for many years. By 2014, the rumors were no longer just rumors. McDermott admitted to cheating on Spelling.

Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott during Us Weekly Hot Hollywood Awards - Inside at Republic Restaurant & Lounge in West Hollywood, California, United States.
Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott | Chris Polk/FilmMagic for Us Weekly Magazine
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McDermott’s 2023 divorce announcement felt like a long time coming to fans, who watched the couple appear unhappy together for several years. Spelling’s March 2024 divorce filing was the final push the former flames needed to move on. The couple was married for just shy of 20 years. During their relationship, they welcomed five children together. McDermott also has a son from his marriage to Eustace.