Palm Springs Speaks is pleased to announce that local journalist Thalia Hayden with be in conversation with actress and author Jennie Garth when she appears on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.at the historic Plaza Theatre to conclude Season Seven. The speaker series, presented by the Friends of the Palm Springs Library, presents a variety of speakers focused on art and culture, politics, wellness, and entertainment. Previous speakers included Cheech Marin, Wade Rouse, and CeCe Moore Tickets links are available on palmspringsspeaks.org.
Thalia Hayden is a veteran journalist with more than a decade experience as an NBC News Anchor in the Coachella Valley. She frequently emcees events, moderates panel discussions, and speaks on various topics ranging from her personal story, to life as an award-winning journalist. Thalia wrote her first book in 2021, called LOCAL CELEB: Addict to Anchor, and started her own media-training company called, ON CAM Coaching in 2022. Thalia lives in Palm Desert with her husband, daughter, and dog.
The evening will be a lively conversation with Ms. Garth discussing her career and her book “I Choose Me: Chasing Joy and Finding Purpose and Embracing Reinvention” (released April 14, 2026). The evening will explore and discuss her career and other endeavors. Ms. Garth will sign books following her presentation.
Tickets are on sale now, online through the Plaza Theatre ticketing site and at the Plaza Theatre box office. Visit palmspringsspeaks.org for details, ticket links for each show and sponsorship opportunities.
Jennie Garth is an actress, podcast host and designer who skyrocketed to stardom with the iconic role of Kelly Taylor in the hit television series “Beverly Hills, 90210,” which ran for ten seasons during the 1990s. Most recently, Jennie is the creator of the “Me by Jennie Garth” brand, which includes a clothing line for QVC and podcast named “I Choose Me with Jennie Garth” with iHeartPodcasts. Jennie is an advocate for women’s wellness and heart health and a long time supporter for the American Heart association. Jennie lives in Los Angeles with her family and pets.
Sponsors of this Speakers Series include The Friends of the Palm Springs Library, The City of Palm Springs, Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs, LuLu California Bistro, Palm Springs Unified School District Foundation, The Palm Springs Cultural Center, Harper Collins Publishing, and Follett Books. As well as media partners KESQ News Channel 3, KGAY Gay Desert Guide, Desert Business Association, and the Palm Springs Post.
All of the events will take place at the historic and recently restored Plaza Theatre, located in downtown Palm Springs. Learn more about this venue and its story at: https://www.palmspringsplazatheatre.com/about
About Jennie Garth
Jennie Garth is best known for playing the iconic role of Kelly Taylor in the beloved television series “Beverly Hills, 90210″. Now in her 50s, this part inspirational memoir, part motivational advice book empowers women to choose a path of health, healing, and happiness.
In I Choose Me – inspired by her thought-provoking podcast of the same name – Jennie brings her signature mix of warmth, honesty, and humor to this deeply personal book about self-discovery and reclaiming your power.
Through fame, heartbreak, motherhood, and personal reinvention, Jennie discovered the transformative power of putting herself first. By learning to prioritize her own needs and desires, she found the strength to thrive—and to uplift others. In this inspiring book, Jennie invites readers on a deeply personal journey, championing self-care and encouraging women to reclaim control of their mental and physical well-being.
Blending intimate stories and hard-won wisdom on a variety of topics – from health and aging to motherhood and relationships, grief, faith, and finding purpose – Jennie’s reflections offer a road map to help you say yes to one’s truest self. Whether it’s finding clarity in chaos, carving out moments for to recharge, or learning to trust your voice again, she shows how choosing “you” isn’t selfish—it’s the most powerful act of self-respect.
Garth says, “This book is the culmination of everything I’ve lived, lost, and learned. With I Choose Me, I wanted to share the messy, beautiful truth of what it takes to rediscover yourself—through motherhood, heartbreak, aging, and reinvention. My hope is that every woman who reads it feels seen, supported, and inspired to put herself first without guilt.”
About The Friends of the Palm Springs Library
The mission of The Friends of the Palm Springs Library is to support the Library in providing world-class service to the community and by advocating for funding, gifts, and memorials. The Friends of the Palm Springs Library acts as the link between the Library, the community, and its elected officials. It supports programs that encourage reading, culture, and the arts as well as volunteer-based activities to support the greater community. The Friends present the Palm Springs Speaks speaker series as a fundraising vehicle benefiting the Palm Springs Public Library.
About Palm Springs Speaks
Palm Springs Speaks is an annual speaker series presenting distinguished speakers from the worlds of art and culture, politics, wellness, and entertainment to the Coachella Valley. The series was first organized in 2017 by the Palm Springs Cultural Center and the Friends of the Palm Springs Public Library but has evolved with the Friends of the Palm Springs Library as sole presenting sponsor.
