Trista Sutter Addresses False Grandmother Rumors, Protects Her Children's Privacy

The original Bachelorette star recently clarified misleading online reports about her son, Max, setting the record straight on social media.

Trista Sutter, widely recognized as the very first star of ABC's The Bachelorette, has officially debunked rumors suggesting she is on the verge of becoming a grandmother. The reality star took to Instagram on October 8 to address what she called "fake news" circulating about her 18-year-old son, Max Sutter, and an alleged pregnancy.

Sutter, who has been married to fellow Bachelor Nation alum Ryan Sutter for nearly 22 years, expressed both amusement and strong disapproval regarding the fabricated stories. Her public statement serves as a stern reminder for fans to exercise caution when consuming online content.

Trista Sutter Confronts Misleading Grandmother Claims Directly

In a video posted to her Instagram account on October 8, Trista Sutter, 52, confirmed that she needed to "clear something up." She explained that a friend informed her about the rumors, which originated from old pictures of Max and his former girlfriend that Trista had previously shared online.

These personal family photos, including some of Trista's entire family, were allegedly used for clickbait. The untrue headlines suggested that Max, her son, was expecting his first child. Trista recounted her initial reaction to the news as "laughter," followed quickly by "anger."

Sutter cited two primary reasons for her anger: the stories were "a lie," and the outlets were "using photos of our children without permission." She emphasized that while she understands her own public life, her children, Max, 18, and daughter Blakesley, 16, deserve their privacy.

Trista Sutter with her family in January 2024. Image: Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty

The Impact of Fake News on the Next Generation of Bachelor Nation Stars

Trista Sutter is no stranger to the spotlight, having carved a path for countless reality stars. However, she drew a clear line when the misinformation directly impacted her children. "It's one thing if it's me, I can just ignore it because I know it comes with the territory," she stated, "It's another thing that it's my children. Don't mess with their future or their present."

Her concern extends to how these lies could affect Max and Blakesley's personal and professional lives, from school friends to potential employers. She stressed that it is "not OK" for people to create false narratives and use unauthorized photos for their own benefit.

While Trista noted that she would love to be a grandmother someday, she hopes it will be "a little farther down the road." She clarified, "I'm very much looking forward to becoming a grandma and would, of course, support my children." Ultimately, she urged her followers to "not always believe everything you read," specifically cautioning against Facebook pages like "A Bachelor News." She advised fans to ignore, block, or report accounts spreading such claims.

Trista and Ryan Sutter: A Enduring Love Story From Bachelor Nation

Trista and Ryan Sutter's love story is a rare success in the often-turbulent world of reality television. They met on the inaugural season of The Bachelorette in 2003, with Trista giving Ryan her final rose. They married later that same year, celebrating 21 years of marriage in December 2024.

Their enduring relationship has made them role models for many Bachelor Nation hopefuls and fans alike. They have built a life together away from the intense media scrutiny of their early years, focusing on raising their two children, Max and Blakesley, now teenagers.

Trista's recent stance on the grandmother rumors highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining privacy, even for a family accustomed to public attention. Her firm response underscores a parent's desire to protect their children from the potentially damaging effects of online falsehoods.

Navigating Romance Beyond the Show: Updates on Other Bachelor Nation Couples

Trista and Ryan's lasting bond is a beacon for many in the franchise, which has produced numerous love stories and, inevitably, some heartbreaks. As the Bachelor universe continues to expand with new seasons and spin-offs, fans eagerly follow the journeys of their favorite couples. Here's a look at the latest relationship statuses of some other notable Bachelor Nation duos, reflecting their paths as of late 2025.

Spencer Conley and Jess Edwards Found Love and a Financial Prize on Bachelor in Paradise

Spencer Conley, known for his "golden retriever energy" on Jenn Tran's season of The Bachelorette, found his match in Jess Edwards, who vied for Joey Graziadei's heart. On Bachelor in Paradise season 10, the pair fell for one another, leading Spencer to declare on Instagram Stories in August 2025 that he had "already won."

Jess echoed his sentiments, expressing her giddiness about Spencer on her main feed. After choosing their relationship over the show's $250,000 prize, they became engaged and were surprised with a $190,000 check. Jess plans to move to Dallas to be with Spencer, proving their journey led them to "this exact moment," as she said.

Jeremy Simon and Bailey Taylor Brown Continue Their Relationship Post-Paradise

Bailey Taylor Brown, who initially sought Grant Ellis's attention, and real estate investor Jeremy Simon, a contender from Bachelorette Jenn's season, cultivated a strong connection on Bachelor in Paradise season 10. Despite a dramatic squabble over Jeremy's past feelings for Susie Evans, their romance blossomed in Costa Rica.

Though sent home during the finale, they continued dating off-camera. As of August 2025, the show revealed they have met each other's families and are planning to move to the same city.

Andrew Spencer and Alexe Godin Celebrate Love and Financial Success

Andrew Spencer, a suitor from Katie Thurston's season, and Alexe Godin, from Grant Ellis's season, formed a strong bond on Bachelor in Paradise season 10. Their affection was evident in August 2025 Instagram posts, with Andrew calling Alexe "mon amour" and Alexe reciprocating with "mon chéri."

The couple chose love over the $250,000 prize in the BiP finale, but still walked away with $125,000. Alexe expressed her joy, stating, "I am leaving with money, but not just money, love, the most important thing." She plans to move to Chicago to join Andrew.

Dale Moss and Kat Izzo Are Traveling and Building a Future Together

Dale Moss, from Clare Crawley's season, and Kat Izzo, who competed for Zach Shallcross's heart, experienced a challenging moment during the Bachelor in Paradise finale when an ex-contestant made allegations against Kat. However, their romance persisted beyond the show.

Sent home before the final test, their love continued to grow. The show revealed that they traveled extensively across the U.S. and made plans to move closer and build a future. Dale commented on Kat's August 2025 Instagram post, acknowledging their tough times but affirming, "we navigated it together, and I wouldn't change a thing."

Gary Levingston and Leslie Fhima Maintain a Strong Friendship After Paradise

Golden Bachelorette alum Gary Levingston and Leslie Fhima, a runner-up from Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner's season, were a hopeful pair on Bachelor in Paradise season 10. Despite being voted off, they spoke of "making new memories" in a post-elimination video.

However, Leslie revealed in an August 2025 appearance on Bachelor Happy Hour that they are "just friends" for now. The distance between her in Minnesota and him in California is a factor, but she values their friendship and hasn't given up on a romantic future, emphasizing the importance of being friends first.

Kim Buike and Faith Martin Decide to Remain Friends After Paradise

Kim Buike, from Golden Bachelorette, and Faith Martin, a fan favorite from Gerry Turner's season, connected on Paradise season 10. After their elimination, Faith posted an August 2025 Instagram video of Kim visiting her in Washington for a hometown date.

Ultimately, they realized they were better suited as friends than as a romantic couple. Faith explained in a September 2025 Instagram video, "We talk sometimes two to three times a week. He lives five and a half hours away. But the point is this: We are not a in-love couple. Nope, we are not. We never fell in love. We had a great connection on the show."

Grant Ellis and Juliana Pasquarosa's Engagement Was Short-Lived

Grant Ellis, who met 25 potential love interests on his season of The Bachelor, eventually chose Juliana Pasquarosa. However, their engagement ended less than three months after it aired. Grant announced their split on his Instagram Story on June 13.

He explained, "We both gave this our best and poured a lot of love into each other, but after a lot of deep conversations, we've come to the understanding that we're simply not the right fit long term."

Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple Found Love and an Engagement on The Golden Bachelorette

Joan Vassos, who appeared on the first season of The Golden Bachelor, later became the lead for the debut season of The Golden Bachelorette. She met and got engaged to contestant Chock Chapple during the November 2024 finale.

Chock proposed in Bora Bora, with Joan remarking, "We are living proof that no matter what life throws at you that there is still hope, even at our age."

Jenn Tran and Devin Strader's Bachelorette Journey Ended Quickly

Jenn Tran's season 21 of The Bachelorette initially saw her find a happy ending with Devin Strader. However, Jenn revealed on After the Final Rose in September 2024 that Devin grew distant once the cameras were off. She told host Jesse Palmer that Devin denied ever being in love and that his promises "wasn't there anymore."

Devin later shared his side in a 13-minute Instagram video, claiming Jenn "forced his hand" during a phone call where he intended to break the news in person. Jenn later moved on to date her Dancing With the Stars partner, Sasha Farber, but they split in 2025.

Victoria Fuller and Greg Grippo Also Experienced a Split

Victoria Fuller and Greg Grippo, a suitor from Katie Thurston's season, announced their relationship on the season eight finale of Bachelor in Paradise in November 2022. However, Greg revealed in April 2024 that the couple had called it quits.

Johnny DePhillipo and Victoria Fuller Ended Their Engagement Before Grippo

Prior to her relationship with Greg Grippo, Victoria Fuller was engaged to her Bachelor in Paradise season eight costar, Johnny DePhillipo. Their engagement ended before Victoria went public with Grippo.

Theresa Nist and Gerry Turner's Golden Marriage Concluded in Divorce

Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist, stars of the inaugural Golden Bachelor, got engaged in November 2023 and married in a televised ceremony in January 2024. Just three months later, in April 2024, they announced their mutual decision to divorce on Good Morning America.

Gerry explained, "We've come to the conclusion mutually that it's probably time for us to dissolve our marriage." They reached a divorce settlement in June 2024. In April 2025, Gerry shared on the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast that he was dating someone new, and "it's going well."

Joey Graziadei and Kelsey Anderson Are Engaged After a Romantic Finale

Tennis pro Joey Graziadei found his match in project manager Kelsey Anderson during his season's March 2024 finale. Joey professed his love, telling Kelsey, "I can't wait another minute to tell you that I love you," before proposing.

He shared that he knew he wanted a beautiful life, "but I truly didn't know how beautiful that life could be until I met you."

Kat Izzo and John Henry Spurlock's Relationship Did Not Align for the Long Term

Underwater welder John Henry Spurlock, from Charity Lawson's season, and nurse Kat Izzo, from Zach Shallcross's season, connected midway through Bachelor in Paradise season nine. John Henry proposed with an Ascher cut Neil Lane diamond, saying, "I can't see my life without you."

However, days after the finale aired, the couple announced their split in a joint Instagram post. They stated, "While our paths are taking different directions due to our career goals not aligning, we are grateful for the love and support we've received."

Eliza Isichei and Aaron Bryant Ended Their Engagement Amicably

Eliza Isichei, an ex-contestant from Clayton Echard's season, accepted Aaron Bryant's oceanfront proposal on Bachelor in Paradise. Touched by his gesture, she was "not in control of what was going to come out of my mouth."

The finale's coda noted that their relationship faced challenges after Mexico, and they officially ended their engagement days later. Aaron wrote on Instagram in December 2023, "We're leading our amicable split with nothing but positivity and mutual respect for one another."

Aven Jones and Kylee Russell's Relationship Dissolved Due to Infidelities

Postpartum nurse Kylee Russell and Aven Jones, a suitor from Rachel Recchia's season, left Paradise with a proposal, though not the traditional bended-knee one Kylee desired. She accepted Aven's proposal to "get out of here and make it work."

Two days after their December 2023 finale aired, Kylee announced on Instagram Stories that their relationship "dissolved due to multiple infidelities." Aven later issued an apology, acknowledging he "made major mistakes in the relationship and hurt someone who was very close to me."

Charity Lawson and Dotun Olubeko Plan Their Future Wedding

Charity Lawson's season of The Bachelorette culminated in an engagement to integrative medicine specialist Dotun Olubeko in August 2023. Dotun proclaimed their love "perfect" and asked Charity to turn their "fairytale into a reality."

While their wedding is anticipated for 2025 or 2026, Charity embarked on a journey in the Dancing With the Stars ballroom, with Dotun proudly announcing her participation on The Bachelorette: After the Final Rose.

Zach Shallcross and Kaity Biggar Celebrated a "Cute Little Chapel Celebration" Wedding

Zach Shallcross found his happy ending with travel nurse Kaity Biggar, proposing in March 2023. He told her, "You are my world. The love I feel for you is something I could have never imagined." In July 2023, they became roommates in Texas.

They wed on May 23, 2025, in a "cute little chapel celebration." Kaity explained on a June 2025 episode of the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast that they opted for a smaller ceremony, focusing on their love. The chapel, found by her aunt, made the day "perfect."

Danielle Maltby and Michael Allio Found Love But Lacked Compatibility

Danielle Maltby, from Nick Viall's season, and single dad Michael Allio, who shares a son with his late wife, left BIP season seven together. However, a year after Danielle moved to Ohio to be with Michael, he confirmed their split on Jason Tartick's Trading Secrets podcast in September 2023.

He explained, "When you realize that love is there, but you're not necessarily compatible, you mourn the loss, not of just that person and that friend in your life, but also the future that you had envisioned."

Brandon Jones and Serene Russell Ended Their Engagement

Brandon Jones, a runner-up on Michelle Young's season, proposed to Serene Russell, who romanced Clayton Echard, on season seven of Paradise. He proclaimed, "I will love you until the end of time."

However, five months after their engagement aired, they announced their split in a joint May 2023 statement. They shared, "We have tried to work privately on our relationship which has been incredibly challenging in the public eye. This has been immensely hard to accept and painful, as there is a lot of love between the two of us."

Rachel Recchia and Tino Franco's Engagement Stalled After Infidelity

Pilot Rachel Recchia's engagement to general contractor Tino Franco from their 2022 season of The Bachelorette came to an end after he admitted to kissing another woman. Tino expressed regret on The Viall Files, stating, "It was not cool. It wasn't fair to Rachel, and it haunts me daily still."

Susie Evans and Clayton Echard Split Again After Reconnecting Off-Camera

Susie Evans initially rejected Bachelor Clayton Echard during their 2022 finale, but they later reunited off-camera. Their reconciliation was short-lived, however, as they split again six months later. Susie explained in a November 2022 blog post that her "sparkle had dulled" and she felt "misaligned with the best version of me."

Susie later dated Bachelor Nation member Justin Glaze, but they announced their breakup in August 2024.

Michelle Young and Nayte Olukoya's Foundation Was Not Strong Enough

Minnesota elementary school teacher Michelle Young accepted a Neil Lane diamond from Texas-based sales exec Nayte Olukoya, along with a $200,000 check from producers, in their December 2021 finale. Yet, their relationship ended six months later.

Nayte acknowledged on The Viall Files that they had "lots of ups and downs, lots of arguments, lots of fights and just not really clicking." Michelle later began dating Jack Leius in 2023, and they announced their engagement the following year, with Minnesota vows taking place in June 2025.

Maurissa Gunn and Riley Christian Went Their Separate Ways

Maurissa Gunn, who romanced Peter Weber, and attorney Riley Christian, one of Tayshia Adams' suitors, captivated viewers on BIP season seven. They shared a vision of a future, but ultimately announced their split in a joint January 2022 statement.

They explained, "Never did we imagine this, but we've come to a point where we both need to work on ourselves."

Demi Burnett and Kristian Haggerty's Historic Engagement Ended

Bachelor Nation's first same-sex couple, Demi Burnett and Kristian Haggerty, got engaged on season six of Bachelor in Paradise. However, they announced their split on Halloween 2019.

Their joint statement noted, "What has always been at the forefront of our relationship is love and care for one another. Our priority is doing what is best for us. With a heavy heart full of love for one another we have decided it is best for us to take a step back from our relationship."

Noah Erb and Abigail Heringer Found Forever After a Paradise Breakup

Noah Erb, a travel nurse who competed for Tayshia Adams' heart, and financial manager Abigail Heringer, who received Matt James' first impression rose, initially broke up during BIP's seventh season. However, they realized their connection was meant to be.

After settling in San Diego, they purchased a house in Noah's hometown of Tulsa in July 2023. Ahead of their move, Noah proposed at a beachfront San Diego home in August 2023, embarking on their "Chip and Joanna Gaines era," as Abigail quipped.

Serena Pitt and Joe Amabile Said "I Do" Twice, Officially Married

Serena Pitt, a finalist on Matt James' season, and Chicago grocery store owner Joe Amabile, who famously went home night one in 2018, left Paradise engaged. Roughly a year later, in October 2022, they decided to tie the knot at City Hall in New York City.

Serena, now co-hosting the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast with Joe, captioned her video, "JUST MARRIED!! We are still having a wedding this September but who doesn't want to get married twice!" Their larger wedding ceremony took place in September 2023.

Kenny Braasch and Mari Pepin Married in a Puerto Rico Oceanfront Ceremony

Boy band manager Kenny Braasch and Maryland beauty queen Mari Pepin, who charmed Bachelor Matt, got engaged on the 2021 Paradise finale. Kenny expressed his profound love, saying, "I literally, like, I can't see my life without you."

Mari moved to Kenny's native Chicago, and they made their love permanent with matching tattoos in May 2023. They later wed in a 65-guest oceanfront ceremony in Puerto Rico in November 2023.

Becca Kufrin and Thomas Jacobs Built a Family and Had a Spontaneous Wedding

Former Bachelorette Becca Kufrin and Thomas Jacobs, a suitor from Katie Thurston's season, connected on Bachelor in Paradise season seven in 2021, broke up, and then reconciled. Becca proposed to Thomas in May 2022, empowering others to "bend the rules." Thomas returned the favor that October.

In September 2023, they welcomed their first child, son Benson. Weeks later, the couple wed in a spontaneous ceremony on October 13, embracing their new family life.

Katie Thurston and Blake Moynes Discovered Incompatibility After Engagement

Katie Thurston got engaged to Blake Moynes during The Bachelorette's season 17 finale in 2021, declaring their love during an overnight date. Blake promised to support her "every day moving forward."

However, three months after the proposal aired, they announced their split in matching statements. They concluded that they "are not compatible as life partners, and it is the most caring choice for both of us to move forward independently." Katie is now married to comedian Jeff Arcuri.

The Enduring Appeal of Bachelor Nation's Love Stories and Public Scrutiny

The journeys of these Bachelor Nation couples, from Trista Sutter's pioneering love story to the latest engagements and breakups, illustrate the complex realities of finding love in the public eye. While some find lasting happiness, others navigate the challenges of celebrity and intense fan scrutiny.

Trista Sutter's recent message about the grandmother rumor serves as a critical reminder: not everything read online is true, especially when it comes to personal family matters. Fans are encouraged to approach celebrity news with a critical eye and to rely on official statements from the stars themselves.