Once-Troubled Teen Star Patty Duke Sticks Up for Lovato and Lohan

With online, TV and print reporters in full pursuit of details surrounding Demi Lovato's breakdown and trip to rehab, former teen star Patty Duke would like to urge restraint: "Be quiet and let the girl figure it out. These are people, these young girls," she tells PopEater. "Some of them can build a shield against the negative media, but most of them can't -- and it hurts."

As for what Lovato and other troubled young personalities, including Lindsay Lohan, are going through now, "I relate to it completely. What I don't relate to is when help is offered and they don't take it. That's what makes me crazy," says Duke. "The part of me that understands psychology and psychiatry tells me, 'No, they're not at their bottom yet.' It may be my bottom, but not theirs."
Duke knows of what she speaks, of course. Back in the '60s, it was she who was America's Sweetheart, the beloved, Oscar-winning child actress (for 'The Miracle Worker') who became the jaunty teen star of her own hugely popular TV show -- who then grew up and melted down before the public's eyes.

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Once-Troubled Teen Star Patty Duke Sticks Up for Lovato and Lohan

With online, TV and print reporters in full pursuit of details surrounding Demi Lovato's breakdown and trip to rehab, former teen star Patty Duke would like to urge restraint: "Be quiet and let the girl figure it out. These are people, these young girls," she tells PopEater. "Some of them can build a shield against the negative media, but most of them can't -- and it hurts."

As for what Lovato and other troubled young personalities, including Lindsay Lohan, are going through now, "I relate to it completely. What I don't relate to is when help is offered and they don't take it. That's what makes me crazy," says Duke. "The part of me that understands psychology and psychiatry tells me, 'No, they're not at their bottom yet.' It may be my bottom, but not theirs."
Duke knows of what she speaks, of course. Back in the '60s, it was she who was America's Sweetheart, the beloved, Oscar-winning child actress (for 'The Miracle Worker') who became the jaunty teen star of her own hugely popular TV show -- who then grew up and melted down before the public's eyes.

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Dina Lohan Calls Lindsay's Rehab 'Life-Changing'

Dina Lohan visited NBC's 'Today Show' this morning after spending time at the Betty Ford Center, where her daughter Lindsay Lohan is back in rehab. Dina called the facility "life-changing" for Lindsay and an "amazing place."

Matt Lauer asked Dina, who spent two weeks in family sessions at the clinic, about Lindsay's condition. "Happy, relaxed. She's just a different person," Dina answered. "She's been in a couple facilities, but this one, to me, has really changed her. They get into your psyche and your family and they bring the problem to the surface."

See Dina Lohan on 'The Today Show' [interview begins at 3:15]:



Lauer and Lohan sparred the last time Dina stopped by 'Today.' "Dina felt ambushed by Matt," a family friend told PopEater after the August appearance. "She was surprised how many tough questions he asked."

Today, Lauer grilled the 48-year-old Dina again, though the air was devoid of contention: "When the judge said [Lindsay] needed to go here and sent her, he said to her in no uncertain terms, 'You're an addict,'" Lauer said. "Does Lindsay fully get that?"

"Yes," Dina answered. "And this teaches you that you are, and she's young. I thank God that he didn't incarcerate her because that wouldn't have helped her. And being so young, admitting that can only help her sobriety in the future."

Dina also said she was comfortable with the concept that her 24-year-old daughter is an addict. "We take it one day at a time. Addiction is difficult. I don't know, I don't have a crystal ball. I pray hard."

Dina says Lindsay wants to start her own rehabilitation facilities for other young people. She also acknowledged her daughter's aim to return to film.

Lauer asked if Dina would encourage another early release for Lindsay or if the full time in rehab was due. "Lindsay wants to stay," Dina said. "She's learning the trigger points and why she turns to drugs or addiction. It's a lifelong journey."

The 'Today' interview came hours after news of Lindsay Lohan's reunion with father Michael Lohan, Dina's ex-husband, at the Betty Ford Center. The reunion was reportedly "emotional," with "hugs, kisses, even a few tears."

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'Emotional Reunion' for Lindsay Lohan and Father Michael

Linday Lohan reunited with her estranged father Michael at the Betty Ford rehabilitation center in California yesterday, RadarOnline.com reports. It was the pair's first meeting in seven months.

"It was an emotional reunion," a source tells Radar. "There were hugs, kisses and even a few tears when Michael and Lindsay first saw each other. They spent hours together; it was not a fleeting encounter, this appeared well-planned in advance."

The reunion was a shocker, considering LiLo's recent comments to Vanity Fair -- "I think my biggest focus for myself is learning how to continue to get through the trauma that my father has caused in my life," she said over the summer.
The reunion took place around 1PM Sunday at the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California, Radar writes. The site's source says Michael's visit came at Lindsay's invitation.

"Michael turned up at Betty Ford with some gifts and items for Lindsay," one insider says.

Asked for comment, Michael Lohan told Radar: "I have pledged not to comment about anything relating to my daughter. However, what I will say is that I am an incredibly proud father tonight. My daughter is progressing extraordinarily well."

The elder Lohan recently sent out what he dubbed his "final statement" to the media.

In April, Lindsay called her father a "pathological liar" on Twitter, writing, "When will it ever end ... it's been going on my whole life with him -- hasn't he caused enough pain?"

Visiting 'The Today Show' on Monday, Dina Lohan told Matt Lauer that Lindsay could "absolutely" benefit from a healthier relationship with Michael.

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