Gypsy Rose Blanchard's story is one of unimaginable abuse, imprisonment, and ultimately, a quest for freedom and normalcy. After enduring years of medical abuse orchestrated by her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, Gypsy found herself incarcerated for her role in Dee Dee's death. Her release in December 2023 marked the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with challenges, unexpected turns, and the enduring hope for a fulfilling life.
From Pen Pals to Husband and Wife: The Relationship with Ryan Anderson
While incarcerated, Gypsy Rose Blanchard found solace and companionship in Ryan Scott Anderson. Their connection began in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Anderson, like many others, had become engrossed in the true crime series Tiger King and was inspired by a colleague who wanted to write to Joe Exotic in prison. "I said, 'I'll tell you what, if you write him, I'll write Gypsy Rose Blanchard,'" Anderson told People. He had previously watched the documentary Mommy Dead and Dearest, which chronicled Gypsy's harrowing experiences, and the story was fresh in his mind.
A few weeks later, Anderson received a reply from Blanchard, and by May 2020, they were regularly exchanging letters. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, they were unable to meet in person until a year later. During this time, they formed an "emotional bond" through letters and phone calls. Anderson finally visited Blanchard in prison for the first time in July 2021.
The couple married in a small private ceremony at the prison in July 2022, a year before Blanchard's release. Despite the unconventional setting, Gypsy expressed optimism about their future together. "I know the home that I'm going home to is with my husband, and I'm going to have a really supportive family dynamic," said Blanchard. "And I think that that's what I've been missing this whole time." Blanchard also stated they would "redo" their vows now she has been released.
Separation and a New Chapter
Despite initial hopes, the marriage between Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Ryan Anderson was short-lived. Shortly after her release, Gypsy announced their separation. "Unfortunately my husband and I are going through a separation and I moved in with my parents home down the bayou," she shared.
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Rekindled Love: A Relationship with Ken
Following her separation from Anderson, Gypsy Rose Blanchard reconnected with Ken, a former flame. She explained of Ken on the March 17 episode of Life After Lock Up: “When we reconnected, it was the hormones,” she explained. “The hormones made me move so fast. Do I regret it? I don't regret the choices I've made with him. What I regret is how I went about it.”
She noted that Ken "hasn't hinted around to proposing," indicating that they are both comfortable with the pace of their relationship. “He's just making big statements of love,” Gypsy Rose shared. “And with an upcoming baby, with my divorce about to be finalized, that's when we move into unknown territory that I am free. I'm not married to Ryan anymore. I'm not held down by that. And, ultimately, she's just happy to be with the person that she's loved for so many years.“I have loved this man for seven years,” she explained. “I am so happy and content. Is everything rainbows and sunshine? Hell no!
Physical Transformation and New Beginnings
Gypsy Rose Blanchard has also undergone a physical transformation since her release. In April 2024, she had a rhinoplasty and septoplasty (nose job).
Unexpected Motherhood
In July 2024, Gypsy Rose Blanchard announced that she was 11 weeks pregnant. "I'm happy to announce that I am 11 weeks pregnant," she shared in a YouTube video. "This was not planned at all, it was completely unexpected."
Gypsy and Ken celebrated at a sex reveal party for their first baby in August 2024 and, at a baby shower in November, shared that they'll be naming her Aurora Raina Urker. Gypsy gave birth to her first baby on Dec.
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Sharing Her Story
Gypsy Rose Blanchard has been open about her experiences, using her platform to advocate for prison reform and share her personal story. "She's a really sweet woman and I really appreciate her taking the time to talk with me," Gypsy told E! News host Keltie Knight about a public figure she spoke with. "We had a lot to talk about as far as prison reform goes. I know that she's done some really amazing things with prison reform."
With co-authors Melissa Moore and Michele Matrisciani, Gypsy told her dramatic life story to date in her book My Time to Stand, which came out in December.
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