Jennie Garth Calls Dave Bugliari Best ‘Bonus Stepdad’ in Father’s Day Tribute

‘90210’ alum praises her husband’s unwavering support and blending into her girls’ lives.

By Reshmi Das

Jennie Garth celebrated Father’s Day with a warm Instagram tribute, shining a spotlight on her husband, Dave Bugliari. In a heartfelt caption, the Beverly Hills, 90210 alum thanked him for stepping into her daughters’ lives as “the best bonus stepdad.” The post featured candid family snapshots and an outpouring of gratitude from Garth and her three girls.

Jennie Garth Calls Dave Bugliari Best ‘Bonus Stepdad’ in Father’s Day Tribute pinit button
Image: Instagram

Tribute To The “bonus Stepdad”

“I knew it from the very beginning! You would become the best bonus step Dave to my girls,” Garth wrote alongside a series of photos showing Dave with their blended family. She continued, “Their lives are better because of you 💚 Thank you for being there for each of them no matter what, for giving us all the gift of being the best listener and advisor.” The actress capped her note with praise for Dave’s humility: “You are the most caring, zero ego, cool af hubs and step dad, and we love you!! #happyfathersday @dirvla.”

Garth tagged Dave’s Instagram handle, @dirvla, to share the love. The images show him lounging by the pool with the girls, swapping laughs on the lawn and embracing the family’s dog. In one snapshot, all five pose in relaxed attire, heads bent together as afternoon light casts a golden hue over the scene.

Jennie Garth Calls Dave Bugliari Best ‘Bonus Stepdad’ in Father’s Day Tribute pinit button
Image: Instagram

Garth’s Blended Family Story

Jennie Garth and Dave Bugliari tied the knot in June 2015, merging their lives and children. Garth, now 51, shares three daughters—Luca Bella (born 1997), Lola Ray (2002) and Fiona Eve (2006)—with her first husband, actor Peter Facinelli. Dave, a New York native and former grooming groomer turned entrepreneur, stepped into a role that Garth’s girls celebrated from day one.

Their union has been a picture of modern family life. Dave appears regularly in Garth’s social posts, whether at school recitals, weekend golf outings or quiet movie nights. He also supports Garth’s career milestones—her recent Netflix reunion special and upcoming memoir tour—always quick to lend an encouraging word.

Jennie Garth Calls Dave Bugliari Best ‘Bonus Stepdad’ in Father’s Day Tribute pinit button
Image: Instagram

Popular Tv Alum Reflects On Parenthood

Best known for playing Kelly Taylor on Beverly Hills, 90210, Jennie Garth often shares glimpses of motherhood online. Earlier this spring, she posted a Mother’s Day montage featuring her daughters and family gatherings. In those images, Garth touted the importance of self-care, captioning a photo of her morning coffee ritual: “These in-between moments mean the most. Grateful for a team that not only shows up but lifts me up.”

That earlier post, tagged #familytime and #grateful, highlighted the bond between Garth and her inner circle. Now, her Father’s Day message underscores the role Dave plays in that support system. Fans applauded the gesture in the comments, many noting how rare it is to see a step-parent embraced so wholeheartedly online.

Looking Ahead For The Garth-bugliari Crew

As summer unfolds, the family has plans for a California road trip. Garth hinted at vineyard visits and coastal drives in recent Stories, promising more behind-the-scenes moments from their adventures. Later this year, she’ll embark on a podcast tour revisiting her early career and life lessons, with Dave slated to appear as a guest host.

For now, the Father’s Day post remains a standout. It’s a reminder that modern families come in all shapes and sizes—and that sometimes the title of “stepdad” carries more love and devotion than any other.

Cheers to Dave Bugliari, the man Garth’s daughters call their bonus dad. Their heartfelt tribute shows that the strongest bonds are built on loyalty, humility and open hearts.

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Jennie Garth was born on April 3, 1972, in Urbana, Illinois, United States.
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Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a content writer, covering parenting and films. She writes for Hollywoodjunction and Momjunction. Her interest in journaling and writing made this biotechnology postgraduate to take up content as her full-time profession.

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