Previous bachelor’s degree James died and Rachel Kirkconnell She quit four years after finding love Bachelor’s degree.

“Father, give me and Rachel the strength to mend our broken hearts. Give us peace about this decision to end our relationship that is beyond earthly understanding,” James, 33, wrote via Instagram alongside a photo of him and Kirkconnell on Bachelor’s Season 25.

“Lavishing our friends and family with kindness and love to comfort us. And remind us that our joy comes from You, Lord 💔,” James added in the caption of his post, which tagged Kirkconnell, 28.

He chose James Kirkconnell as his Bachelor’s Winner during Season 25, which aired in early 2021. However, through After the final rose Privately in March of that year, James said he and Kirkconnell has broken up After Kirkconnell Past racially insensitive social media activity It reappeared. The couple reconciled a month later.

In October 2024, James, the first black Bachelor’s Lead, and Kirkconnell Teaser for future marriage.

“I think this is the next step,” James joked during an episode of the “De-Influenced with Dani + Jordan” radio show. “Since many of Rachel’s friends have been engaged, I wouldn’t dare go look at the ring without consulting Rachel first.”

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Kirkconnell agreed that deciding on the diamond was the next step before James popped the question.

“I have a finger ready,” she joked on the podcast. “I feel like this is definitely something we want. I’m on time. My problem is I definitely need to look for a ring I like and everything, but that’s on him at that point. … That’s a problem, I don’t even know what I want.”

During the same episode, James said that he had been “hinting at marriage for a very long time.”

“I don’t think Rachel takes my insinuations seriously,” he joked. “Obviously I’m a few years older than you, and women tend to stay longer than men because I don’t know, but that’s how it usually goes. I’m totally fine with being a stay-at-home dad. I’ll stay home and take care of the kids, so I’ll empower you… [to] Start your own brand.”

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Kirkconnell, who mocked James’ comments about innuendo and launching a lifestyle empire, said she was also ready to build a family with the former footballer.

“I will say this, I love the idea of ​​marriage and commitment to each other, and kids and family really interest me,” Kirkconnell said. “But the thought of planning a wedding really hurts me. Sometimes I say to myself: ‘Let’s just elope.’

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James previously said Us Weekly He and Kirkconnell They did not give in to external pressure To speed up their schedule.

“We’re doing a great job. I feel like when you feel pressure, that’s when you don’t want to do something,” James said exclusively. we In June 2024. “So I never felt pressure [to get engaged] Because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. It’s something we’ll do at some point. This is why we are together and what we are working to achieve. “I’m excited about our future.”