Rachael Learns Matt's Breakup Post Mid-Flight

Rachael Kirkconnell is giving out her last rose.

Two weeks following Matt James’ enigmatic social media post about parting ways, the previous ‘Bachelor’ contestant disclosed specifics of their unexpected separation – even revealing when and how she discovered about his split declaration.

In a recent episode of Call Her Daddy on January 28th, as I shared with Alex Cooper, I found myself in utter disbelief when preparing for my flight. It was as if the universe had conspired against me, leaving me bewildered and asking, “What on earth is happening?” My phone started buzzing uncontrollably, just moments before takeoff. I was a mess, having been recently dumped, and now it felt like the entire world was privy to my heartache.

Rachael admitted she’s “still in total shock” over their breakup after four years together.

In conversation, he appeared to fully understand and agree with me, both in private and public settings, as she recounted. We had discussed rings, and he suggested a few months ago that I should start saving and choose items. That detail makes the current situation even more heartbreaking.

Now, Rachael explained that she’s trying to process what went wrong.

She expressed that she was unsure whether the issue lay within herself or if it wasn’t a problem at all. She keeps reminding herself that she is okay.

Rachael responded to Matt’s January 16 post on Instagram following a subtle reaction, and her comments made it clear that rumors of their potential reunion, sparked by a celebrity news site claiming they were seen together in New York City, were unfounded. (Age is adjusted to 28 years old)

In a comment underneath the Jan. 26 post, Rachael denied the meet-up, writing, “hmm wasn’t me lol.”

Shortly after the separation became public knowledge, Rachel hinted at feeling blindsided by the breakup in a December 5 Instagram birthday tribute to her former partner. Fans interpreted this post as an opportunity for speculation, and Rachel responded subtly by giving ‘likes.’

One note that earned her positive attention wrote, “I’m so sorry.”

Meanwhile another shared insight into how Rachael had been holding up after the news.

As I ponder over it, I feel he took her off-guard without warning. It might be best to allow her the space to react when she’s ready.

As for Matt, he hasn’t said anything since his original post about the news, which was accompanied by a picture showing the ex-couple’s first encounter during the 21st season of ‘The Bachelor’.

33-year-old wrote on their January 16 Instagram post: “Dear Heavenly Father, grant Rachael and me the fortitude to heal our wounded hearts. Provide us with a tranquility regarding this choice to part ways in love, a peace that surpasses human comprehension.

As a devoted admirer, I, a fan who’s been captivated since Matt (known to many as the son of Patty James, a remarkable figure who graced the Bachelor franchise in its innovative Golden Bachelor season), shared, “Let us surround our dear ones with warmth and affection, offering solace. And let us remember that our happiness is derived from you, oh Gracious One.

Not only did Rachel express surprise at the breakup, but it also caught Bachelor Nation off guard as well. Given that Matt had spoken so fondly of their relationship mere months prior to the separation announcement and hinted at starting a family together, we weren’t anticipating this development either.

He informed Meet Cute NYC on TikTok in November that she is his dearest friend. She’d go to any length for him, showing remarkable selflessness.

Matt and Rachael’s split is another flower petal dropping from the Bachelor Nation’s garden. However, some relationships continue to flourish. Here’s the latest on the romantic status of all the reality show couples…

Status: Engaged
Following her brief exit from Gerry Turner’s season on “The Golden Bachelor,” Joan Vassos went on to become the star of the first season of “The Golden Bachelorette” and found love with contestant Chock Chapple. In a heartwarming moment during the November 2024 finale, Joan shared: “Life may throw challenges at us, but there’s always hope, even as we grow older.” This sentiment was beautifully illustrated when Chock proposed to her in the stunning backdrop of Bora Bora, expressing his feelings with these words: “I have waited for this moment in this breathtaking setting to tell you that I love you. I want to spend every day from now on waking up next to you and kissing you goodnight.

Status: Split

In the finale of season 21 of “The Bachelorette”, it seemed like former contestant Jenn Tran had found her perfect match in Devin Strader. However, during the special “After the Final Rose” in September, Jenn, aged 26, disclosed that Devin, 28, turned cold towards her as soon as filming ended.

During the September 3rd episode, Jenn explained to host Jesse Palmer that he had been expressing passionate declarations of affection one day, only to disappear and deny any feelings of love the next. She added that all the pledges he had made to her, and the love he had expressed wanting to give her, seemed to have vanished.

The events became more intriguing as Devin posted a 13-minute video on Instagram, detailing his perspective of the situation and offering an explanation for terminating the relationship during a subsequent 15-minute phone conversation. In this video, he acknowledged taking responsibility for certain aspects of the breakup.

Instead of claiming that she accused him of ending their relationship over the phone in August, he stated that Jenn wanted to understand why things were going wrong and he was trying to figure out how to tell her in person.

He said, “I wasn’t quite sure what other option I had,” explaining that he had been holding off telling her face-to-face. Essentially, she made me take action sooner than planned.

Ever since that moment, Jenn strolled towards “Dancing with the Stars” and potentially into Sasha Farber’s heart. They’ve been fueling romance speculation since their dismissal on October 29th.

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 season eight finale of Bachelor in Paradise. During their time there, they disclosed that they were in a relationship. However, by April 2024, he publicly announced that they had ended their relationship.

Prior to Victoria Fuller and Greg Grippo revealing their relationship during the finale of Bachelor in Paradise’s eighth season, Victoria Fuller had previously called off her engagement with her costar John DePhillipo.

Status: Divorced

Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist became engaged in November 2023 during the final episode of the first season of ‘Golden Bachelor’, and they got married in a televised wedding ceremony in January 2024.

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

During their appearance on Good Morning America with Theresa in April 2024, Gerry stated, “Theresa and I have had many deep discussions about our relationship and our living situation, among other things. After careful consideration, we’ve decided together that it seems best for us to end our marriage.

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

Status: In a Relationship
Tennis pro Joey Graziadei has found his ideal partner in project manager Kelsey Anderson. After wooing 32 other potential partners, Joey finally proposed to Kelsey during the season finale in March 2024. “I’ve been eager for so long to express my love for you,” Joey said as he knelt down on one knee. “You have this contagious energy that makes me happy. It’s a sensation I never knew existed before.”
Dreaming of their future together, he added, “I had always imagined having a wonderful life, but it wasn’t until I met you that I truly understood just how amazing that life could be.

As a devoted admirer recounting the events, let me share my take on the tale of John Henry Spurlock and Kat Izzo from season nine of ‘Bachelor in Paradise’. Though they didn’t initially find common ground until halfway through the season, their readiness to plunge headfirst mirrored a shared courage. “I’m opting for a slightly unique approach,” he expressed while presenting an Ascher cut Neil Lane diamond, “Today, I’m choosing to follow my heart. My heart whispers that you are extraordinary, you embody everything I aspire for.”

However, a few days after the season finale, this loving pair confided that their future paths seemed to diverge. “Although our lives are heading towards distinct horizons because of our career aspirations not coinciding,” they penned in a joint Instagram post, “we are thankful for the affection and encouragement we’ve received from our loved ones and ‘Bachelor Nation’.

Despite her apprehension over the proposal in Paradise, elegantly clad Eliza Isichei (formerly linked to Clayton Echard), beamed as Aaron Bryant popped the question at an oceanfront location. Delighted by his thoughtfulness in seeking approval from her mother, she exclaimed, “I couldn’t predict what words would come out of my mouth next.”

The final episode’s closing scene hinted that Eliza and her ex, marketing manager Charity, had encountered some difficulties post their return from Mexico. A few days later, they announced their amicable breakup, with Eliza expressing on Instagram in December 2023, “It’s been an emotional rollercoaster watching these events unfold. We part ways now, maintaining a friendly rapport and harboring only respect for each other.

Status: Divorced
Although postpartum nurse Kylee Russell was disappointed that boyfriend Aven Jones refused to propose – a gesture he had reportedly intended during his courtship of Bachelorette Rachel Recchia – she eventually agreed to Aven’s proposal on “Paradise” to leave and make the relationship work.
However, this meant her chosen engagement dress remained unworn, as Kylee stated, “I just had to do what I felt was right. Love involves taking risks.”
Just two days after their finale aired in December 2023, she disclosed on her Instagram Stories that the relationship had ended due to numerous instances of infidelity.
Later, Aven issued an apology to Kylee via Instagram, admitting, “I have made severe mistakes within the relationship and caused harm to someone dear to me.

As a delighted follower,

“I couldn’t be more thrilled about how this year has unfolded!” Charity Lawson playfully told TopMob News, an announcement that barely hinted at the grandeur of her upcoming August 2023 finale. Integrative medicine specialist Dotun Olubeko got down on one knee and declared their love as “perfect,” asking the child and family therapist, “Would you grant me the privilege of transforming this fairy tale into a reality?”

Though our future is still to come—they’ve mentioned a possible 2025 or 2026 wedding—first, Charity will take a whirl on the dance floor for Dancing With the Stars. “Alright, sweetheart,” Dotun said to Charity during The Bachelorette: After the Final Rose. “Given that you enjoy joking around, dancing, and having fun, you know we’ve talked about how incredible this opportunity would be. And I am overjoyed to be the one to share with you that you’ll be on Dancing With the Stars! Sweetheart, let’s do this!

Status: Betrothed

Zach will have his fairytale conclusion. Although there were a few mishaps during the Fantasy Suite, Zach Shallcross concluded season 27 in March 2023 on bended knee. “I am deeply in love with you,” he confessed to travel nurse Kaity Biggar. “You are my universe. The affection I harbor for you transcends anything I could have ever dreamed of.”

In July 2023, this Texas couple took a significant step forward in their relationship, as Kaity announced on Instagram, “Now official housemates.” They’re currently organizing their October 2025 nuptials.

Status: Broke Up

Indeed, Danielle Maltby and Michael Allio, two contestants from Bachelor Nation, seemed destined to be a perfect couple even after leaving ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ season seven without Neil Lane diamonds. Danielle, who tragically lost her fiancé to a drug overdose prior to appearing on Nick Viall’s season, and single father Michael Allio (who shares 7-year-old son James with his late wife) appeared to be the ideal pair.

However, a year after Danielle moved from Nashville to Ohio to be with Michael, they announced their separation. Michael shared his feelings on Jason Tartick’s ‘Trading Secrets’ podcast in September 2023, stating, “We both put a lot into this relationship, and it’s really heartbreaking when it doesn’t work out. When relationships don’t work out, when you realize that love is present but the compatibility isn’t there, you grieve not only for the loss of that person and your friendship, but also for the future that you had imagined.

Brandon Jones declared his eternal love for Serene Russell during their appearance on season seven of “Paradise”. However, their relationship didn’t last long. In a joint statement posted in May 2023, they announced their separation five months after their engagement was shown on the show. They expressed that trying to work through their issues privately in the public eye had been extremely challenging and painful for both of them. They asked for understanding and requested that there be no negativity towards them as they were deeply hurting.

The relationship between pilot Rachel and general contractor Tino Franco hit a snag when he was seen kissing another woman during their 2022 season broadcast. On “The Viall Files”, Tino admitted, “I in no way condone my actions. It was not right, it wasn’t fair to Rachel, and I still regret it deeply every day. It’s something I’m deeply ashamed of, and if given the chance, I would change it a million times over.

The story unfolded as follows: Susie Evans and Bachelor Clayton Echard had a parting of ways, six months after their reunion off-camera during the 2022 finale. Despite their split, Susie, who is based in L.A., explained that things didn’t work out because she wasn’t flourishing as she should be. In her November 2022 blog post titled “Susie Was Like,” she penned, “The people around me could see that my shine had dimmed and I was far from being at my best.” She admitted that they shared many happy moments, but deep down, she was wrestling with feelings of misalignment and a sense of not being true to the optimal version of herself.

After dating Justin Glaze from Bachelor Nation, Susie later confirmed their separation in August 2024.

Current Situation: Separation

Teacher Michelle from Minnesota received a Neil Lane diamond ring from Texas-based executive Nayte Olukoya, along with a $200,000 check for their future home during the show’s finale in December 2021. Despite this, the couple decided they weren’t compatible and announced their split six months later.

In an interview on ‘The Viall Files’, Nayte admitted that there were numerous disagreements and arguments between them, and not being able to have a final conversation about the breakup in person was “immature.”

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

As an ardent fan, I can’t help but express my feelings about the heart-wrenching news from Maurissa Gunn and Riley Christian. They had us all dreaming of idyllic Sunday mornings together, yet their journey as a Bachelor in Paradise couple was cut short after just a handful of weekends.

In a joint statement released in January 2022, the patient coordinator, Maurissa (who won our hearts with her romance with Peter Weber), and attorney Riley (one of Tayshia Adams’ suitors) shared their sad news. “We have chosen to move on separately,” they said. “It wasn’t part of our plan, but we find ourselves at a stage where we both need to focus on personal growth.

Status: Split

The first same-sex pair from Bachelor Nation became engaged during the sixth season of “Bachelor in Paradise”, however, they revealed their separation in October 2019, which happened to be Halloween.

In their Instagram post, they stated that love and concern for each other have always been central to their relationship. Their main focus has been ensuring what’s best for them as a couple. With a heart heavy with love, they have made the difficult decision to step away from their relationship temporarily. They desire what is ultimately beneficial for both of them in the long term, and at this moment, that means growing separately.

Current Status: Engaged

Despite breaking up during season 7 of ‘The Bachelorette’, Noah Erb and Abigail Heringer have found that they could see an eternity in each other’s eyes. Initially residing in San Diego, the travel nurse (who vied for Tayshia’s affection) and the financial manager (who received Matt James’ first impression rose) recently bought a home in Tulsa, his hometown.

Abigail shared on Instagram in July 2023: “About to enter our Chip and Joanna Gaines era because your girl just bought her very first house!!!” She continued, “Excited to start our next chapter and for all the memories we’ll create here!!” With wedding plans ahead, they were preparing for their move. Noah proposed at a beachfront San Diego home in August 2023, before their relocation.

Status: Married

Serena Pitt and Joe Amabile, both finalists from different seasons of The Bachelor, decided to go ahead and tie the knot informally about a year after leaving ‘Bachelor in Paradise’. They chose to do this at City Hall, which is near their homes in New York City. This was sort of a trial run before their official wedding in September 2023. Serena, who now co-hosts the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast with her husband, shared a video from the occasion, captioning it “JUST MARRIED !!” She added, “We are still having a wedding this September, but who wouldn’t want to get married twice?

Kenny Braasch, a boy band manager, expressed his deep affection for Mari Pepin as he presented her with a Neil Lane diamond ring on the finale of Paradise in 2021. “Mari, I am absolutely smitten by you,” he declared, “and I can’t envision my life without you.” Following their elimination by Tayshia Adams in week five, Mari moved to Kenny’s hometown, Chicago, and they began planning their future together. Before their oceanfront wedding in Puerto Rico in November 2023, they made a lasting symbol of their love by getting matching tattoos during a trip to the Bahamas in May 2023.

Status: Married

Becca Kufrin, a previous Bachelorette, and Thomas Jacobs (one of Katie Thurston’s suitors) became a couple during ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ season seven in 2021. They broke up on the show but reconciled after filming ended. In May 2022, they announced their engagement, with Becca propossing to Thomas. “I hope that others can now feel empowered and break the rules,” she told TopMob News. In October of the same year, Thomas reciprocated the gesture. In September 2023, they welcomed their first child, a son named Benson. Becca expressed on Instagram, “No words can express the love and awe we have for this little boy.” A few weeks later, in an unexpected move, they got married in an October ceremony.

Status: Split

In the season finale of “The Bachelorette” in 2021, Katie got engaged to Blake Moynes. Their romantic connection deepened during an overnight date that included a paintball adventure, a relaxing soak in a cowboy tub, and a heartfelt talk under the night sky where they expressed their love for each other.

Lowering himself onto a knee, Blake expressed to Katie, “You are worthy of the whole world, and I can’t wait to stand by your side and be there for you each and every day from now on.

Three months following the broadcast of their proposal, the pair publicly declared their separation. In identical statements, they expressed, “We are deeply thankful for the precious moments we experienced together and the incredible journey we’ve been on this past year. However, we have determined that we are not well-suited as life partners, and it is the kindest decision for us to proceed individually.”

Now, she is set to marry comedian Jeff Arcuri.

Current Status: Separated

Since Matt and graphic designer Rachael Kirkconnell parted ways following their 2021 season (and a brief separation before reconciling), there have been numerous speculations about their relationship. TopMob News exclusively reported that Matt suggested everyone should take a break from social media, stating, “Our lives are so heavily influenced by our phones that when anyone takes a break from being on their phone 24/7, people assume it’s the end of the world.”

Despite this, Matt had mentioned in May 2022 that marriage was still their ultimate goal. He emphasized, “We move at our own pace, and I think what we have is a successful formula, and we’ll get there.” However, less than three years later, Matt confirmed the split with Rachael.

“Father God, give Rachael and me strength to heal our broken hearts,” the reality star wrote on Instagram in January 2025 alongside an old photo of them from The Bachelor. “Grant us peace about this decision that surpasses human understanding. Shower our friends and family with kindness and love to comfort us. And remind us that our joy comes from you, Lord.

Status: Split

Following her replacement for Clare Crawley in the 2020 edition of The Bachelorette, Tayshia developed feelings for Zac Clark. Despite leaving their season with an engagement, Tayshia subsequently disclosed that their relationship experienced some highs and lows.

Being in a new relationship and then taking off for a couple of weeks can be challenging, right?” she expressed honestly on the August 2021 episode of The Ben and Ashley I. Almost Famous podcast.

Later on, she expressed, “It seemed like it was essential for us to recall the reasons we were together. I believe this is perfectly standard.” However, in November 2021, TopMob News reported that they had decided to part ways.

Status: Split

During season 16 of “The Bachelorette,” Clare became deeply smitten with Dale Moss. Intriguingly, they got engaged by the fourth episode itself. However, the unexpected events didn’t cease as weeks later, when Tayshia took over as the bachelorette and also got engaged, Dale publicly announced on social media that his romantic relationship with the hairdresser had ended.

Approximately a month later, whispers of reconciliation swirled around them as they were seen together. Fast forwarding to July 2021, following multiple meetings, Clare and Dale were back on, even sporting an engagement ring. However, in September, they decided to part ways once more. Currently, Clare is blissfully married to Ryan Dawkins and anticipates their first child together.

Status: Split

Following a short-lived engagement with Hannah Ann Sluss and a split from Madison Prewett, I had high hopes for my third attempt at love. Regrettably, things didn’t work out with Kelley Flanagan, the outstanding contestant from The Bachelor season 24. On New Year’s Eve in 2020, I shared that our nine-month relationship had ended.

Pete wrote on Instagram that although our relationship held many cherished moments, it ultimately didn’t succeed as planned. However, Kelley remains someone who I hold a unique affection for.

In 2022, they made another attempt at flying again, but announced in May that their relationship had come to an end.

Status: Split

After the intense 2020 finale, the pair announced on Instagram that they had chosen not to continue their romantic involvement. “Madi and I have both decided it’s best not to move forward with our relationship,” Peter explained. “I assure you this wasn’t an easy decision for either of us, but after many open discussions, we’ve agreed that this seems like the most logical path for both of us. The affection and regard I harbor for Madi will persist.

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to echo Madi’s sentiment: “I shall always cherish and honor him. I firmly believe that our destinies were intertwined, enriching us both significantly in the process.

Status: Split

During season 24 of ‘The Bachelor’, Peter and Hannah Ann had a short engagement. Regrettably, just a month into their exclusive relationship, issues emerged during the second part of the finale. More specifically, Hannah Ann was taken aback when she learned that Peter still harbored feelings for Madison.

She said, “All along, I merely sought someone who would offer their entire affection as I was doing mine. And yet, it was that very first promise you took from me,” she lamented, returning the ring. “You took it away, from me. Because I relied on you, and that’s what you have persistently asked of me – ‘Be patient with me. Have faith in me.’

As an ardent admirer, let me express my excitement about the journey of Dean Unglert and Caelynn Miller-Keyes. After parting ways during Bachelor in Paradise season six back in 2019, they’ve been inseparable ever since.

Fast forward to 2022, these lovebirds took their relationship to the next level by getting engaged. The grand finale came on September 23, as they exchanged vows at a charming camp-themed wedding held high up in the Colorado mountains. In an exclusive interview with TopMob News before the ceremony, Caelynn shared her heartfelt feelings: “I simply adore him so much! I’m just so thrilled to be marrying someone who’s such a wonderful individual, who can make me laugh every single day, even on my worst days. I truly believe that our life together will be filled with endless fun and joy.

2025-01-29 03:53

Rachael Learns Matt’s Breakup Post Mid-Flight

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