‘Bachelor’ Star Matt James’ Confessions on Marriage and Future Plans Makes Rachael Kirkconnell Breakup Even More Astonishing- Report
- Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell met on Season 25 of The Bachelor.
- The pair has called it quits after four years.
- Matt James reportedly was finally thinking about settling down with Kirkconnell before they called it quits.
Television personality, real estate broker, and charity founder Matt James is widely recognized for appearing in season 25 of The Bachelor. Matt James was the first African American to lead the reality TV show. The real estate broker was initially cast on The Bachelorette Season 16, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed the filming, he was selected as the lead for The Bachelor.
Matt James ended up with graphic designer Rachael Kirikconnell after he gave the final rose to her. Later, it was discovered that the two had parted ways after Kirkconnell’s racially insensitive past came to light. James clarified in 2021 that he and Kirkconnell decided to give their relationship another try only to part ways a couple of days ago. However, reports have suggested that Matt James was thinking of taking their relationship to another level.
Matt James seeks ‘strength’ and ‘blessing’ from God as he splits from Rachael Kirkconnell
Former Bachelor Matt James took to his social media to share heartbreaking news on January 16, 2025. The real estate broker wrote on his social media that he and Rachael Kirkconnell have split after four years of being together. He wrote,
Father God, give Rachael and me strength to mend our broken hearts. Give us a piece 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.
James shared a picture of the now-former couple meeting on The Bachelor. After a brief split in 2021, the couple rekindled their romance the same year, and in 2022, Matt James shared with People about healing with Kirkconnell. He said,
I’ve learned a lot. And at the end of the day, everything that we’ve been through has prepared us for the future. It felt like the world was against us.
The former Bachelor noted that some people at the time felt like the situation was blown out of proportion and others felt like it hadn’t gotten enough attention. James mentioned that they were just trying to enjoy each other’s company and grow their relationship without having to deal with people they didn’t know.
According to reports, Kirkconnell was ‘blindsided’ by Matt James’ announcement on social media. Her friends and family were equally blindsided by the news. A source shared with US Sun,
Everyone is confused and still trying to get to the bottom of what happened, but first and foremost, they’re supporting Rachael and making sure he is OK. They didn’t know they were fully broken up. She is being pretty quiet right now and was surely blindsided.
The 28-year-old graphic designer has not yet addressed their breakup. According to sources, Kirkconnell pulled the plug on their relationship. A source shared with US Magazine that James just couldn’t commit to her, and while the split may seem abrupt, it had been brewing for a while, and it was a long time coming.
Matt James wanted to propose to Rachael Kirkconnell before they called it quits
According to People, T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach released an unplanned episode of their podcast, hours after James announced his split from Kirkconnell. They shared that they were heartbroken for their dear friend Matt James, whom they know intimately and well. She mentioned,
He has been a huge source of support for us, individually and as a couple, ever since we went through our situation a few years ago. And so he is considered a close friend of ours, and we’re always rooting for him.
Amy Robach said that if rooting for him meant him deciding to go separate ways from his partner, then they would support him. She also mentioned that they know James well enough to say that he is not trying to put on a show for social media or to make things seem better than they are. Robach called him ‘an authentic dude.’
T.J. Holmes went on to reveal that Matt James, who was on their podcast, had mentioned settling down with Kirkconnell. He added that James not only spoke about his intentions to propose to his now-former girlfriend but also shared thoughts on taking the next steps.
I have been talking plenty with him about marriage and the future and Rachael and where they were going, what they were going to be.
Holmes and Robach acknowledged that there was a lot of strain on James and Kirkconnell’s relationship, both personal and public, from the living situation. In speaking to People in 2024, Matt James mentioned that they wouldn’t be together if engagement wasn’t the same goal. He added that he is excited for what the future looks like for them.
US Magazine reported that the former couple, who were looking at a future, are upset with their split, but they both know that it’s for the best, and Kirkconnell is ready to move on.
