Exploring Katie Thurston and Blake Moynes' Journey to Healing After their Breakup
Katie Thurston and Blake Moynes called off their engagement after six months, but they're determined to move forward From embracing freedom to prioritizing happiness and work, they're making peace with the past and finding solace in friends
Katie Thurston and Blake Moynes recently ended their engagement just three months after it aired on the show "The Bachelorette." Since then, the former couple have been open about adjusting to being single again. Thurston, who had developed strong feelings for Moynes during season 17, admitted to "We" magazine that she was figuring out how to navigate their relationship while dealing with the challenges of long-distance.
Shortly after the August 2021 finale of season 17, Thurston left her hometown in Washington and relocated to San Diego, California, while Moynes stayed in Canada. Despite the distance, they made efforts to visit each other.
Since breaking up, Thurston has openly expressed her intention to move forward and seek love in the future. Meanwhile, Moynes has fully immersed himself in his role as a wildlife manager and dedicated himself to his passion for animals to keep himself occupied.
Keep scrolling to read everything the former Bachelor Nation couple have said about their split and moving on:
Credit: ABC/Craig Sjodin
Everything Katie Thurston and Blake Moynes Have Said About Moving On Following Their Split
Katie Thurston and Blake Moynes announced their split less than three months after their Bachelorette engagement aired. Since then, they have been open about adjusting to being single. Thurston, who fell in love with Moynes during season 17 of The Bachelorette, admitted that she was figuring out life as they dealt with the challenges of a long-distance relationship.
After the season 17 finale aired in August 2021, Thurston moved from her hometown in Washington to San Diego, California, while Moynes continued living in Canada. Despite the distance, they made occasional trips to see each other.
Since their separation, Thurston has spoken openly about moving forward and seeking love in the future. On the other hand, Moynes has immersed himself in his work as a wildlife manager and dedicated his time to his love for animals to keep himself occupied.
Keep scrolling to read everything the former Bachelor Nation couple have said about their split and moving on:
Credit: ABC/Randy Holmes
She’s ‘Winging’ Her Life
Shortly before the two former partners officially announced their separation, Thurston spoke candidly about how they were managing a long-distance relationship.
"I'm basically just going with the flow at the moment," she shared with Us from backstage at Cummings' comedy show in Anaheim, California. "Tomorrow morning, I'm jetting off to San Diego at the crack of dawn... We're still trying to figure things out. It's all very new to us."
Credit: Courtesy of Katie Thurston/Instagram
Happiness First
In an October 2021 Instagram Live session, the star of The Bachelorette season 17 opened up about the details of their breakup, expressing to her followers, "For a duration of six months, Blake and I displayed a remarkable level of emotional maturity and effective communication. Upon reflection, we both realized that if our initial six months together was an indication of our future as a couple, it would not be conducive to our individual happiness to continue our relationship."
She added, "As previously mentioned, we have mutually decided to go our separate ways, but we still maintain contact and continue to support each other; nothing but love and respect, truly. ... Obviously, ending a relationship in the public eye can be challenging, but you have all been incredibly kind and supportive, and I wanted to express my gratitude for being there for both me and Blake. I believe that people often give too much importance to things that are ultimately insignificant. I strongly believe in prioritizing one's own happiness. After all, why wouldn't you pursue that?"
Credit: Courtesy of Blake Moynes/Instagram
Tough Times
“When times are incredibly challenging and circumstances are not going as expected... it is always the same close-knit group of individuals who uplift and support you,” Moynes expressed via Instagram on November 1, featuring a collection of photos with his cherished pets. “It feels refreshing to gradually regain momentum. Yet, while I rely on my human and furry family during such moments, I must also acknowledge all of you, my newfound social family, for the immense love, support, encouragement, and even patience throughout the past week. Here’s to you, I am genuinely grateful...”
Credit: Courtesy of Katie Thurston/Instagram
Getting Out of the House
The ex-bank marketing manager expressed the difficulty of leaving her home soon after the news of their breakup became widely known.
"On Instagram Story, she shared a picture of a dog and expressed gratitude for the love and support she received. She acknowledged that it was tough to be forced out of the house by Dexter that morning. However, she also emphasized the importance of accepting the situation, learning and evolving from it. She reminded her followers that they don't owe anyone anything, and encouraged them to surround themselves with happiness in their personal lives as life is too short."
Credit: ABC/Eric McCandless; Sara Jaye Weiss/Shutterstock
Focusing on Work
Although overcoming the breakup is a challenging task, Moynes recognized that his commitment to philanthropy and his involvement with animals served as a beneficial diversion in his journey towards healing, acknowledging that it has been a difficult path.
“Today, I am thrilled to announce the realization of a project I have been diligently working on for some time now,” he shared in a November 2021 Instagram video. “Unfortunately, due to recent events involving Katie and me and our separation, I had to temporarily set it aside. The online world can be incredibly harsh, cruel, and unfavorable. However, your unwavering love and support, and the strong community we have fostered through this incredible journey, empower me to make a positive impact in the world.”
Credit: ABC/Craig Sjodin
Grateful for Friends
Thurston expressed her gratitude as she shared a photo of a bouquet sent by Chris Conran and Alana Milne in an Instagram Story captioned in November, following news of her separation. In addition to the thoughtful gift, the couple included a note that read, "Don't settle for being treated like free salsa. You are guac, girl. GUAC."
Credit: Courtesy of Blake Moynes/Instagram
The Sting of a New Man
During a guest appearance on the "Talking It Out With Bachelor Nation" podcast, Moynes addressed Thurston's new relationship with John Hersey, which was confirmed by Us on November 23, 2021.
Moynes expressed his trust in Thurston's words and denied any wrongdoing during their engagement. However, he accused her of emotional infidelity, stating that Thurston seemed more invested in her connection with Hersey and spent a significant amount of time with him. Despite seeing them together while he was in Canada or Kenya, Moynes maintained his belief that their relationship was strictly platonic.
The Canadian wildlife manager expressed surprise at how quickly his relationship with Thurston ended, causing him to question when she had formed a strong connection with Hersey. He considered the emotional bond between them, which facilitated a smooth transition after their breakup. He acknowledged feeling foolish for allowing their romance to develop while they were still together, recognizing that there must have been something significant about Hersey that Thurston appreciated, making the transition easier.
Credit: ABC/Craig Sjodin
Making Peace With the Past
Following Moynes' participation in season 9 of Bachelor in Paradise, Thurston appeared in a November 2023 episode where she expressed regret for the way their relationship came to an end. Moynes, on the other hand, took the opportunity to reflect on the impact the incident had on his personal life.
He mentioned at that time that he is unable to contemplate our relationship at present, as the intensity of that particular moment and period still affects him and causes confusion. Consequently, he deliberately avoids dwelling on it.
