Bachelor Nation's Rachael Kirkconnell Confirms Matt James Breakup

This rose has officially withered.

After the unexpected split between reality TV star Matt James (formerly of “The Bachelor”) and Rachael Kirkconnell, Rachael has shared her perspective on the events that reportedly transpired between them.

Another comment, favored by Rachael, stated, “As I ponder over it, I feel he took her off guard. Let’s afford her the patience and let her react when she’s ready.” The other one was straightforward: “I’m deeply sorry.

Shortly after Matt posted about his breakup with Rachael, following their four-year relationship, an unexpected announcement that left many fans in shock, as only hours prior, he had shared photos hinting at a joint vacation in London.

In his January 16 Instagram post, he pleaded to a Higher Power: “Father, grant Rachel and me the fortitude to heal our shattered emotions. Bestow upon us a serenity regarding our choice to part ways, a tranquility beyond human comprehension.” The post also included a photo from their first encounter on ‘The Bachelor’.

As a devoted admirer, I find myself expressing this thought: “Let’s drench those dear to us in kindness and affection as a source of solace. And let’s not forget, it’s Your love, oh Lord, that fuels our happiness.

The news arrives approximately a month following the time when Rachael expressed her admiration for Matt on his 33rd birthday, referring to him as her dearest friend and “the one who holds all my affection.

She added, “You consistently stuff our lives with warmth, joy, and laughter, and I’m incredibly grateful to share this journey with you. Thank you for your unending love, encouragement, kisses, and hugs.

Rachael ended the post with a nod to “many more adventures” together.

After facing past challenges such as getting caught up in scandals and taking a short break when old racially sensitive images of Rachael surfaced, the couple eventually split up. However, they managed to make amends a month afterwards.

Matt expressed to People in 2022 that it seemed as though the world was working against them, due to the mixed reactions and opinions about their experience. Some individuals felt the circumstances were exaggerated, while others believed they weren’t given enough focus. They simply wanted to cherish each other and nurture their relationship without unwanted input from strangers intruding on their personal affairs.

A year down the line, if it appeared that the previous pair were embroiled in separation speculation due to their absence from one another’s social media posts, Matt felt compelled to explain that not all was as it seemed on the internet.

Matt shared with TopMob News, “I believe everyone could use a break from social media.” He explained, “We spend so much time staring at our phones that when someone stops using them constantly around the clock, it seems like the end of days to some people.

For more on where your favorite Bachelor Nation couples are today, keep reading.

In a heartwarming turn of events, Joan Vassos, who previously left Gerry Turner’s season of The Golden Bachelor prematurely, took center stage on the inaugural season of The Golden Bachelorette. It was during this romantic journey that she found her one true love, Chock Chapple. In a touching moment during the November 2024 finale of The Golden Bachelorette, Joan shared, “Life may have thrown us challenges, but it has also shown us that there is always hope, even at our age.” With the stunning backdrop of Bora Bora as witness, Chock proposed, saying, “I’ve waited for this moment in this breathtaking location to tell you that I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, waking up next to you in the morning and kissing you goodnight.

Status: Split

In the season finale of “The Bachelorette” (season 21), it seemed like former contestant Jenn Tran had found her perfect match in Devin Strader. However, during an interview after the final rose ceremony in September, Jenn, aged 26, disclosed that Devin, who is 28 years old, turned cold towards her once the cameras stopped recording.

During the September 3rd episode, Jenn explained to host Jesse Palmer that the man she was involved with had been expressing passionate declarations of love one day, only to act indifferently and deny any feelings the next. She said that all the commitments he had made to her, all the affection he had expressed towards her, seemed to vanish.

As a committed follower, I found myself drawn into an unfolding narrative as Devin posted a heartfelt 13-minute video on Instagram, detailing his perspective of events. Beyond expressing accountability, he also shed light on the reasons that led him to terminate the relationship during a lengthy 15-minute phone conversation.

Instead of asserting that he ended their relationship during a phone call in August, he stated that Jenn pressed him for answers about their relationship issues and wanted him to tell her in person, which is why he felt it necessary to end things over the phone instead.

He admitted that he wasn’t sure about any other options, and then pointed out that he had been holding back, wanting to discuss it with her face-to-face. In essence, she made the situation such that I had no choice but to act.

Ever since that moment, I’ve found myself gracefully making my way towards “Dancing with the Stars,” and it seems like destiny might be guiding me closer to my dance partner, Sasha Farber. Sparks of something more than just a partnership have been flying between us ever since our elimination on October 29th, keeping the rumor mill churning about a possible romantic connection.

Status: Split

In November 2022, Greg Grippo, who was one of Katie Thurston’s suitors on ‘The Bachelorette’ the previous year, appeared alongside Victoria Fuller in the finale of ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ season eight. During that time, they declared they were in a relationship. However, in April 2024, he disclosed that their relationship had ended.

Prior to Victoria Fuller and Greg Grippo making their relationship official during the finale of Bachelor in Paradise’s 8th season, Victoria Fuller and Johnny DePhillipo had previously called off their engagement.

Status: Divorced

Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist became engaged in November 2023 at the end of the first season of “Golden Bachelor”, and they officially married during a live broadcast wedding in January 2024.

However, three months after their nuptials, the couple announced that they were breaking up.

Speaking alongside Theresa on Good Morning America in April 2024, I shared that after numerous meaningful discussions and a thorough examination of our circumstances, including our living situation and beyond, we have arrived at a mutual decision. It appears that the timing is right for us to part ways and dissolve our marriage.

They reached a divorce settlement in June 2024, according to court records reviewed by TopMob News.

Status: Set to marry
After dating 32 potential partners, tennis player Joey Graziadei finally found his soulmate in project manager Kelsey Anderson. “I can’t hold back any longer to express my love for you,” Joey said to the woman who received his final rose, during the finale of his season in March 2024. “You have an energy that is contagious and makes me smile. It’s a feeling I’ve never experienced before.”
Picture Kelsey as his lifelong partner, he added, “For some time, I knew I wanted to live a beautiful life, but I didn’t truly understand how beautiful it could be until I met you.

As a lifestyle advisor, I’d rephrase it like this:

“In the heart of season nine on ‘Bachelor in Paradise’, underwater welder John Henry Spurlock and nurse Kat Izzo didn’t initially find common ground. However, when opportunity knocked, John decided to take a leap of faith and propose with an Ascher cut Neil Lane diamond, expressing his feelings by saying, ‘I’m choosing something different today. My heart tells me you are extraordinary, you embody everything I seek.’

However, a few days after the season finale, they shared their heartfelt update on Instagram: ‘Although our lives are taking separate paths due to our career aspirations not being in sync, we’re thankful for the love and encouragement we’ve received from family, friends, and Bachelor Nation.’ They part ways gratefully, with a hope that their journey will inspire others.

In the end, despite Eliza Isichei’s initial apprehension about a romantic proposal, she graciously accepted Aaron Bryant’s oceanfront invitation. Touched by Aaron’s thoughtful gesture of seeking her mother’s approval, she expressed, “I couldn’t predict what words would come out.”

The finale’s closing scene hinted at some challenges that Eliza, a marketing manager, faced following their return from Mexico. A few days later, they publicly confirmed the dissolution of their engagement.

Reflecting on the situation on Instagram in December 2023, Charity shared, “Watching these events unfold has been complex. We’re navigating our amicable separation with only good feelings and mutual respect for each other.

Status: Split

Nurse Kylee Russell reluctantly accepted boyfriend Aven Jones’ proposal on ‘Paradise’, despite his initial hesitation to propose during their courtship with Bachelorette Rachel Recchia. However, the engagement gown she had planned remained unworn as they parted ways two days after their finale aired in December 2023 due to multiple instances of infidelity on Aven’s part. Kylee later confirmed the breakup through her Instagram Stories, while Aven eventually issued an apology, acknowledging his errors and the pain he caused Kylee. In essence, the relationship ended because Aven made serious mistakes that hurt someone dear to him. Love, in this case, proved to be about taking risks with unforeseen outcomes.

Charity Lawson playfully expressed her satisfaction with the current season, but this understated her grand finale in August 2023. Dotun Olubeko, an integrative medicine specialist, knelt down and declared their love as “flawless,” proposing to Charity, a child and family therapist: “Would you grant me the honor of transforming our fairy tale into truth?”

Their future happily ever after is yet to come—they’re contemplating a wedding in 2025 or 2026. However, before they walk down the aisle, Charity will twirl on the dance floor as she competes on ‘Dancing With the Stars.’ On ‘The Bachelorette: After the Final Rose,’ Dotun excitedly told Charity: “Alright, sweetheart, I know you enjoy having fun, dancing, and letting loose. We’ve discussed this—about how incredible this opportunity would be. And I am thrilled to be the one to tell you that you’re going to be on ‘Dancing With the Stars’! Sweetheart, let’s do this!

Status: Set to Marry

Zach will have his fairytale conclusion. Despite a few bumps along the way during the Fantasy Suite, Zach Shallcross concluded season 27 in March 2023 by going down on one knee. In his heartfelt words to travel nurse Kaity Biggar, he expressed, “I am so in love with you. You are my world. The love I feel for you is something I could have never imagined.”

In July 2023, the couple from Texas made a significant stride in their relationship journey, as Kaity announced on Instagram, “Now officially living together.” They’re currently working on setting their wedding date for October 2025.

The relationship between Danielle Maltby and Michael Allio, who appeared together on season seven of “BIP” and seemed destined to become a Bachelor Nation power couple, has ended. Although they moved countries for each other and invested significantly in their relationship, it did not work out as planned. Michael expressed his disappointment on an episode of Jason Tartick’s “Trading Secrets” podcast, stating that the breakup was difficult because they had high hopes for the future together but found that they were not compatible in the long run.

As an ardent admirer, let me put it this way:

“For all eternity, I’ll cherish you. With my final heartbeat, I’ll hold onto our love, and I yearn to embark on an endless journey with you,” said Brandon Jones, in a passionate declaration, as he proposed to his dearest friend, Serene Russell, during season seven of Paradise.

Unfortunately, their tale was abruptly halted. Scarcely five months after their engagement aired, Brandon (a runner-up from Michelle Young’s season) and Serene (who had her own romantic moments with Clayton Echard), announced their separation in a heartfelt joint statement on Instagram in May 2023.

“We have endeavored privately to mend our relationship, which has proven to be incredibly challenging under the public eye,” they wrote. “This experience has been excruciatingly difficult for us, as there is a profound love between the two of us. We are both in deep pain and can only plead for understanding and kindness.

The romantic relationship between Rachel and general contractor Tino Franco encountered a halt due to an incident where he was seen kissing another woman during their 2022 season broadcast. In an interview on “The Viall Files”, Tino admitted, “I have no defense for my actions at all. It was not right, it wasn’t fair to Rachel, and I regret it deeply every day. It is something I am ashamed of and would change if I could do it over a million times.

Status: Split

However, it’s clear that their time together was an adventure. Susie Evans initially turned down Clayton Echard’s advances during the 2022 finale, only to reconnect with him away from the cameras…and then part ways again six months later.

Despite this, the Los Angeles-based videographer maintains that their separation was necessary. In a November 2022 post for her blog “Susie Was Like,” she explained, “I could sense that my radiance had faded and I wasn’t flourishing as I should.” She admitted they shared many happy moments, but deep down, she was grappling with difficulties and felt out of step with the best version of herself.

After dating Justin Glaze, a contestant from Bachelor Nation, Susie later disclosed that they had split up as well, in August of 2024.

The relationship status of Michelle, a Minnesota elementary school teacher, is currently single. She received an engagement ring from Texas-based sales executive Nayte Olukoya and a $200,000 check from producers for their future home during the filming of their reality show season in 2021. However, they broke up six months after the finale aired due to not having the right compatibility.

On The Viall Files podcast, Nayte admitted that there were many disagreements and fights between them, and not having the final split conversation in person was “impolite.”

Later in 2023, Michelle started dating Jack Leius, and they announced their engagement the following year.

The dynamic duo from BIP season seven, Maurissa Gunn and Riley Christian, captivated viewers with their shared dream of idyllic Sunday mornings. However, despite the strong connection, they were only able to spend a few weeks together. In a joint statement issued in January 2022, their patient coordinator Maurissa (who had a romantic relationship with Peter Weber) and attorney Riley (one of Tayshia Adams’ suitors), announced that they had decided to part ways. They never anticipated this situation, but they have reached a point where they both require time for personal growth.

Status: Split

On the sixth season of “Bachelor in Paradise”, the franchise’s inaugural same-sex couple became engaged, yet they revealed their separation in October 2019, which coincided with Halloween.

In their shared announcement on Instagram, they expressed that throughout their relationship, mutual love and concern have been paramount. Their primary focus has always been to make decisions that benefit them both. With a heart heavy with love for each other, they’ve decided it is in their best interest to take a break from the relationship. They yearn for what is ultimately beneficial for them in the long term, and at this moment, that means growing independently apart.

Current Status: Engaged

In simpler terms, though Noah Erb and Abigail Heringer broke up during the seventh season of The Bachelor in Paradise, they found that they could see an eternal love in each other’s eyes. After initially settling in San Diego, they recently purchased a home in Tulsa, Oklahoma—Noah’s hometown.

On Instagram, Abigail posted in July 2023, “Getting ready to enter the Chip and Joanna Gaines era because your girl just bought her very first house!! I’m excited to start our new chapter and for all the memories we’ll create here!!” Their next step is planning a wedding. Before their move, Noah proposed at a beachfront home in San Diego in August 2023.

Serena Pitt and Joe Amabile, both reality TV stars, decided to have a trial run of their upcoming wedding by getting legally married at City Hall in New York City, about a year after they left the show “Bachelor in Paradise” engaged. They posted a video announcing their impromptu marriage on October 2022 with the caption “JUST MARRIED!”, indicating that they will still have a formal wedding ceremony in September 2023.

Status: Married

Kenny Braasch, boy band manager, expressed his deep affection for Mari Pepin as he placed a Neil Lane diamond ring on her finger during the finale of Paradise in 2021. “I am completely smitten by you,” he declared. “I can’t imagine my life without you.”

Following their time on the show, the Maryland beauty queen relocated to Chicago, where she and Kenny (who were eliminated together by Tayshia Adams in week five) embarked on planning their future together. Before their oceanfront wedding in Puerto Rico in November 2023, they solidified their love with matching tattoos during a vacation in the Bahamas in May 2023.

Status: Married

Previously known Bachelor contestant Becca and Thomas Jacobs (a suitor from Katie Thurston’s season) found each other during ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ season seven in 2021. They split up while on the show, but rekindled their relationship after filming ended. In May 2022, they shared their happy news of being engaged, with Becca taking the initiative to propose. As she expressed to TopMob News, she hopes her actions will inspire others to feel confident in bending traditional rules. Thomas reciprocated this gesture in October of the same year. The couple then welcomed their first child, a son named Benson, in September 2023. Becca gushed on Instagram about the love and wonder they have for their little boy. Just weeks after bringing Benson home, the couple made it official by getting married in an impromptu October ceremony.

Status: Split

In the final episode of season 17 of “The Bachelorette” in 2021, Katie became engaged to Blake Moynes. This romantic moment occurred during their overnight date that included a paintball adventure, a soak in a cowboy tub, and a heartfelt talk under the night sky, where they expressed their deep affection for each other.

Kneeling down, Blake expressed to Katie, “You are worthy of everything the world has to offer, and I’m thrilled to stand by your side and be your daily companion from now on.

Three months following the broadcast of their proposal, the couple disclosed they were separating. In identical statements, they expressed, “We are deeply thankful for the precious moments we experienced together and the remarkable journey that has transpired this year. However, we have come to realize that as life partners, we do not fit harmoniously, and it is the kindest decision for us both to progress separately.”

Currently, she is betrothed to comedian Jeff Arcuri.

Current Status: Separated

In the time since Matt and graphic designer Rachael Kirkconnell parted ways during his 2021 season (following a brief separation and subsequent reconciliation), they have faced numerous breakup speculations.

“I believe everyone should take a break from social media,” the ex-Bachelor shared with TopMob News at a July 18 Baskin-Robbins event. “Our lives are so much online that when anyone takes a step back from being on their phone constantly, people assume it’s the end of the world.”

Despite this, Matt expressed in May 2022 that marriage was still the ultimate goal for them.

“I believe the positive aspect of our relationship is we move at our own pace,” the author of First Impressions: Off Screen Conversations With a Bachelor on Race, Family, and Forgiveness told TopMob News in May 2022. “And you’ve seen with other couples—they rush into engagement and they’re no longer together. So, I think we have a winning formula and we’ll make it work.”

However, less than three years later, Matt confirmed their separation on Instagram in January 2025.

“Father God, grant Rachael and me the strength to heal our broken hearts,” the reality star wrote alongside a nostalgic photo of them from The Bachelor. “Grant us a peace about this decision to end our relationship that surpasses human understanding. Shower our friends and family with kindness and love to console us. And remind us that our joy comes from you, Lord.”

Status: Split

Following Clare Crawley’s 2020 season of The Bachelorette, Tayshia got to know and developed feelings for Zac Clark. Despite exiting her season as an engaged couple, Tayshia shared in a later conversation that their relationship experienced some highs and lows.

She mentioned on the “The Ben and Ashley I. Almost Famous” podcast in August 2021 that it can be challenging to be in a new relationship and then be absent for a couple of weeks, and she was being genuine about this.

After that event, it seemed as if we should recall why we were together. And I believe this is completely natural. However, in November 2021, TopMob News reported that they had parted ways.

Status: Split

During season 16 of “The Bachelorette,” Clare developed a deep affection for Dale Moss. So much so that they were engaged by the fourth episode. However, their relationship surprises didn’t end there. Even after Tayshia found love and got engaged, Dale announced on social media that his romance with the hairdresser had ended weeks prior.

A month later, whispers of reconciliation arose when they were seen together once more. By July 2021, following multiple reunions, Clare and Dale had fully reconciled – complete with an engagement ring. However, by September, they broke up again. Now, Clare is blissfully married to Ryan Dawkins and the couple is excitedly awaiting their first child together.

Status: Split

Following a short engagement with Hannah Ann Sluss and later a breakup with Madison Prewett, fans had high hopes that the third attempt at love would work out for Peter. Unfortunately, his relationship with Kelley Flanagan, who was a prominent figure in The Bachelor season 24, didn’t last as planned. On New Year’s Eve 2020, the pilot revealed that their nine-month romance had ended.

Pete shared on Instagram that although our relationship was brimming with many cherished moments, it ultimately didn’t succeed. However, Kelley remains someone I hold a unique affection for.

In 2022, they made another attempt at flying again, but it was disclosed in May of the same year that their relationship had come to an end.

Status: Split

After an emotional conclusion in 2020, the pair shared on Instagram they were ending their relationship. “Madi and I have decided, after much discussion, not to continue our romantic involvement,” wrote Peter. “Though it wasn’t easy for either of us, we have had open conversations and agreed that this decision seems best for both of us. The affection and regard I hold for Madi will persist.

In her declaration, Madi expressed, “I’ll continue to cherish and honor him. I firmly believe that our lives were destined to intersect, and we have both grown for the better as a result of this encounter.

Status: Split

In the 24th season of “The Bachelor,” Peter and Hannah Ann had a brief engagement. Regrettably, just a month into their exclusive relationship, during the finale’s second part, it emerged that they were facing difficulties. More precisely, Hannah Ann was taken aback by Peter still harboring feelings for Madison.

She said, “All I’ve ever desired was for someone to offer their entire love as I am giving mine to them. And yet, you ended my first engagement.” Before returning the ring, she stated this. “You took that from me. That’s what we shared – trust. And that’s exactly what I have been asked to provide – patience and faith in you.

As a devoted admirer, I’d rephrase it like this: From their days of wandering in vans, I’ve been following Dean Unglert, one of Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay’s finalists, and Caelynn Miller-Keyes, who was also linked to Colton Underwood, on their journey. Despite parting ways during season six of Paradise in 2019, they’ve been inseparable ever since.

Fast forward to 2022, these two lovebirds got engaged and tied the knot at a camp-themed wedding in the Colorado mountains on September 23rd. In an interview with TopMob News before the ceremony, Caelynn gleamed with joy, expressing her profound affection for her husband-to-be, “I simply adore him so much! I’m just thrilled to be marrying someone who is such a wonderful person, who can make me laugh every day, even on my toughest days. I believe our life together will be filled with endless fun.

2025-01-17 19:49

Bachelor Nation’s Rachael Kirkconnell Confirms Matt James Breakup

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