The Bachelor’s Matt James announces split from Rachael Kirkconnell after four years of dating
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Matt James has announced that he and fellow Bachelor alum Rachael Kirkconnell have called it quits.
The former reality star issued a statement on Thursday (January 16) to announce his split from Kirkconnell, who he met and fell in love with during the 25th season of The Bachelor.
“Father God, give Rachael and I strength to mend our broken hearts,” he wrote in the caption of his Instagram post. “Give us a peace about this decision to end our relationship that transcends worldly understanding. Shower our friends and family with kindness and love to comfort us. And remind us that our Joy comes from you, Lord.”
His message was posted alongside a throwback photo of the former couple meeting on ABC dating show for the first time.
While Kirkconnell hasn’t spoken out about her breakup on social media, her most recent Instagram post was a video tribute to James in December for his birthday.
“Happiest of birthdays to my best friend, my teammate, my sous chef, the man that has my whole heart. you fill it (and my tummy) with so much love and laughter and I’m so thankful I get to dance through this life with you,” she wrote in the caption of her video, posted on November 4. “Thank you for your never-ending love and support and smooches and snuggles. to many more adventures, happy birthday my pumpkin
Although they didn’t get engaged during the 2021 season finale, they did walk away a couple in love, with James giving Kirkonnell the final rose.
James’s debut as the first Black star of The Bachelor was meant to herald a new era on the dating show. However, it became embroiled in controversy when fans discovered photos of Kirkconnell at an Old South, antebellum-themed party in 2018.
The couple addressed the backlash during the After the Final Rose special in March 2021 and made it clear that they weren’t together then. However, fans spotted them together a month later, and they later confirmed that they had rekindled their romance.
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