The Bachelor's Matt James Announces Split from Rachael Kirkconnell 4 Years After She Won His Season

Mar. 15, 2025

Matt JamesandRachael Kirkconnellhave called it quits.

The formerBachelor, 33, shared the news with a prayer onInstagramon Thursday, Jan. 16, writing, “Father God, give Rachael and I strength to mend our broken hearts. 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 💔”

Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James on ‘The Bachelor’.Craig Sjodin via Getty

Kirkconnell did not share her own post. In fact, her last video was posted in early December and was avideo birthday tributeto James.

“Happiest of birthdays to my best friend, my teammate, my sous chef, the man that has my whole heart,” Kirkconnell captioned her post. “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. thank you for your never ending love and support and smooches and snuggles. to many more adventures, happy birthday my pumpkin ♡.”

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Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James in October 2023.Jamie McCarthy/Variety via Getty

Jamie McCarthy/Variety via Getty

The couple met on season 25 ofThe Bachelorin 2020 where Kirkconnell won James’ season amid controversy. At the time, James and Kirkconnell chose to continue dating but not to get engaged during the reality show’s finale.

Kirkconnell was involved in scandal after photos of herattending an Antebellum-themed partyin college surfaced. James, who was the show’s first Black Bachelor, and Kirkconnell briefly split amid the fallout. FormerThe BachelorhostChris Harrisondefended Kirkconnell in an interview with formerBacheloretteRachel Lindsay, the first Black Bachelorette, leading to Harrison ultimatelyexiting the show.

Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James in a December 2024 Instagram post.Rachael Kirkconnell/Instagram

Rachael Kirkconnell/Instagram

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In May 2021, James and Kirkconnell confirmed that they had rekindled their romance. And in May 2022, Jamesopened up to PEOPLEabout the healing he and Kirkconnell had gone through in their relationship.

“I’ve learned a lot. And at the end of day, everything that we’ve been through has prepared us for the future,” he said at the time.

Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James in a summer 2024 Instagram post.Rachael Kirkconnell/Instagram

He continued, “It felt like the world was against us. Some people felt like the situation was blown out of proportion and others felt like it hadn’t gotten enough attention. We were just trying to enjoy each other and grow our relationship without having to deal with people we didn’t even know weighing in.”

In the years since, the couple have traveled the globe together and been featured regularly on one another’s social media accounts. In February 2024,James told PEOPLEthat engagement was the goal when it came to his relationship with Kirkconnell and promised a “special” proposal.

“It’s about doing whatever you’re doing at your own pace, whether that’s the relationship, your job, exercise,” James told PEOPLE at the time. “If you do things that other people want you to do and you don’t consider y’all’s feelings, then I think that is a recipe for disaster.”

source: people.com