Jennie Garth Stands Up to Trolls After Being Criticized for Not Posting Tribute to Luke Perry

Jennie Garth is setting the record straight after being criticized for sharing a photo of her daughters on Instagram while some expected a tribute to her late costar Luke Perry.

In honor of International Women’s Day on Friday, the 46-year-old actress posted a sweet photo of daughters Luca, 21, Lola, 16, and Fiona, 12, whom she shares with ex-husband Peter Facinelli, 45. It was her first Instagram post since Perry’s death at the age of 52 on Monday.

“These women,” Garth captioned the post, adding a variety of colored heart emojis.

In the comments section, some Instagram users questioned why the actress hadn’t spoken about her late Beverly Hills, 90210 costar on social media, with one fan incorrectly assuming it was because she wasn’t “mourning” his death.

“Not cool,” replied Garth, who went on to explain in a separate comment that wanting “to celebrate anything” had been difficult for her in the wake of Perry’s death.

“Hi everyone… I chose to post a pic of my girls today. Because they are my life. Because today is a day to celebrate all women. It took a lot for me to want to celebrate anything. I thought about it and I know that’s the way my dear friend would have wanted it. His kids were his life,” she wrote, adding, “and anyone who knew him knows that and knows he didn’t give a f*#k about social media.”

“So please don’t assume or judge or make rude comments. That’s really uncool. Sincerely, Jennie,” she continued.

Garth previously provided PEOPLE with an exclusive statement about Perry’s death: “My heart is broken. He meant so much to so many. Such a very special person. I share my deep sadness with his family and all who loved him. Such a terrible loss.”

RELATED: Luke Perry’s Son Jack Breaks Silence on Late Father’s Death: ‘I’ll Miss You Every Day’

Perry is survived by both his son Jack, 21, and daughter Sophie, 18 — whom he shared with ex-wife Rachel “Minnie” Sharp.

Although Perry was one of the few original castmates who didn’t sign on for the upcoming Beverly Hills, 90210 reboot, he remained close to his former costars in the weeks leading up to his untimely death.

Just one week before his death, Perry texted with Tori Spelling and talked to Garth, sending Garth a photo of his daughter Sophie, who had recently embarked on a volunteer trip to Malawi.

While neither Spelling nor Garth could ever have imagined that would be the last time they spoke to their friend, the conversation was a fitting example of who Perry was.

“He adored his kids beyond words,” Spelling, 45, tells PEOPLE in this week’s cover story. “Luke was one of the kindest and most humble human beings I’ve ever known.”

Perry famously starred as Dylan McKay on the iconic television series. (He appeared from 1990-95 and again in 1998 until 2000.)

Perry suffered a stroke on Feb. 27, and a source told PEOPLE he never regained consciousness. At the time of his death, Perry was surrounded by his children Jack and Sophie, fiancée Wendy Madison Bauer, ex-wife Minnie Sharp, mother Ann Bennett and other friends and family members.

“The family appreciates the outpouring of support and prayers that have been extended to Luke from around the world, and respectfully request privacy in this time of great mourning,” his rep told PEOPLE in a statement. “No further details will be released at this time.”

RELATED VIDEO: Jason Priestley Speaks Out for the First Time Following Luke Perry’s Death: I Am in ‘So Much Pain’

Breaking his silence on Wednesday, Perry’s Jack shared an emotional tribute to his father.

“He was a lot of things to a lot of people. To me, he was always Dad,” Jack, a wrestler, began his touching Instagram post — which included a throwback photo of the father and son.

“He loved and supported me in everything, and inspired me to be the best that I could possibly be,” he continued. “I’ve learned so much from you, and my heart is broken thinking about everything you won’t be here for.”

RELATED: Luke Perry Was ‘Very Protective’ and ‘So Proud’ of His Kids, Friends Say: ‘They Were His Heart’

Although his father won’t be present to witness future milestone moments in Jack’s life, he vowed to carry on Luke’s legacy.

“I’ll miss you every day that I walk this earth,” wrote Jack. “I’ll do whatever I can to carry on your legacy and make you proud. I love you Dad.”

In lieu of flowers, the Perry family ask that donations be made to Fight Colorectal Cancer and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.