On September 10, 2025, Taylor Frankie Paul, age 31, a mother of three and the star of Hulu's The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, was formally announced as Season 22's lead of The Bachelorette. This is a big change for the show because Taylor is the first lead from anywhere outside of Bachelor Nation, and she will bring a fresh and real outlook to the show.
Taylor Frankie Paul’s Journey From MomTok to The Bachelorette
Taylor first garnered a public audience on the show The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives where she shared her experiences as a mother and the challenges that came with being a mother and managing different relationships. It didn't take long before she found a place in other people's lives on #MomTok where her fans appreciated her transparency and relatable experiences.
Her path to popularity featured roadblocks. Taylor's marriage to Tate Paul ended in 2022 after a public discussion of the couple's "soft-swinging" allegedly led to their split. Taylor faced intense scrutiny during the media frenzy over her lame marriage. However, she took it all on the chin, and explained to her audience the growth she made since the whole ordeal as well as her views on the implications of what had occurred in their relationship.
How Taylor Rebuilt After Heartbreak
Taylor has been open about her emotional trials of moving on from Dakota Mortensen, with whom she has son Ever, since they broke up. In social media posts she revealed that she almost always cried everyday when adjusting to life as a single parent and the burdens of co-parenting.
Her readiness to talk about these struggles has impacted many to find that balance and a combination of vulnerability and strength. When fans connected with her honesty, they viewed her as someone who overcomes everyday challenges while still pursuing personal happiness.
A New Chapter on The Bachelorette
Taylor’s casting announcement as the next Bachelorette was made when she was a guest on Alex Cooper’s podcast Call Her Daddy, where she said she thought the offer was a joke at first, but then accepted the offer and became the Bachelorette, feeling excited and nervous at the same time.
She said it would be difficult to be a single mother while filming the show, but she felt ready for the experience. Season 22, she hopes, would be about real emotions, authentic relationships, and growth instead of just a drama-filled season focused mostly on romance.
What Makes This Season Unique
- First Lead from Outside Bachelor Nation: Taylor's inclusion brings a fresh outlook and authenticity to the show.
- Mother of Three: Viewers will discover how she manages her family while searching for love.
- Real Life Reality: Taylor's real-life past (divorce, scrutiny and public judgment) enhances the uniqueness of her journey.
- Emotional Honesty: We can expect a season filled with emotional conversations and moments of true emotional growth for our cast.
Taylor’s Next Step Toward Love
Season 22 of The Bachelorette is going to kick off in 2026 and Taylor will be moving the show into a new era. Viewers will be able to expect a real, emotional, and exciting season with love, resilience, and authenticity at the forefront.
Taylor's story is more than just a reality television story, it's about finding liberation, embracing change, and living a life of authenticity. Her story will show viewers that even in the face of public scrutiny and personal struggle, there's always an opportunity for rebirth and newness.
Source(Image / Thumbnail): people.com
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