Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott demonstrated their commitment to co-parenting by reuniting for their daughter Stella's high school graduation on Thursday, June 11. The former couple, whose divorce was finalized earlier this year, sat side by side during the ceremony and posed for photographs with their newly minted graduate.
According to photos obtained by People, Spelling, 53, and McDermott, 59, appeared cordial and celebratory as they watched their 18-year-old daughter receive her diploma. The images captured both parents smiling alongside Stella, marking a significant milestone for their family despite their separation.
The graduation ceremony came just one day after Stella's 18th birthday, which both parents commemorated with emotional social media tributes. Spelling shared a video montage on Instagram featuring moments with her daughter at the beach, accompanied by a lengthy message expressing pride in the young woman Stella has become.
"My baby is 18 today … She will always be my Buggy. In this one lifetime so far we have loved, lived, lost, and learned. It's been a true honor so far to watch you @stella_mcdermott08 grow and evolve and inspire all around you," Spelling wrote on Wednesday, June 10. "You are kind and courageous. You are strong and soft. I'm so proud to be your mom and we are true proof that moms and daughters can be best friends. I love you with all my heart and soul and can't wait to see the amazing future you have. There's nothing you can't do. I watch that daily. My beautiful Buggy xo 💕."
McDermott also honored his daughter with a series of throwback photographs documenting her childhood and teenage years. His Instagram post reflected similar sentiments of pride and affection for Stella.
"I can't believe my little Lady Bug is 18 today," McDermott wrote on Wednesday. "Such a beautiful human inside and out. So proud of you. You'll always be my Buggy. Happy Birthday. I love you kiddo."
The former couple married in 2006 and share five children together: Liam, 19, Stella, 18, Hattie, 14, Finn, 13, and Beau, 9. McDermott also has a 27-year-old son, Jack, from his previous marriage to Mary Jo Eustace.
Spelling and McDermott separated in 2023 after 17 years of marriage. Their divorce was finalized earlier this year, bringing a legal conclusion to their relationship while they continue to navigate co-parenting their five children.
The Beverly Hills, 90210 star has been candid about the divorce process, emphasizing that despite challenges during their marriage, the separation itself proceeded smoothly. This amicable approach appears to have carried through to significant family events like Stella's graduation, where both parents prioritized their daughter's special day over any lingering tensions.
The reunion at Stella's graduation reflects a broader trend of divorced parents choosing to maintain civility and cooperation for the sake of their children. By appearing together at this milestone event, Spelling and McDermott demonstrated their shared commitment to supporting their children through important life moments, regardless of their personal relationship status.
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Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a pop culture junkie and loves to share what's happening in Hollywood and what trends are taking the world by storm.
