Rachel Lindsay, 39, Rumored to Be Dating Country Star Willie Jones Amid Divorce

Rachel Lindsay, best known as the trailblazing first Black lead on “The Bachelorette,” is reportedly moving on from her marriage with a new flame—country music artist Willie Jones, who recently collaborated with Beyoncé on her “Cowboy Carter” album.

The rumors come as Rachel navigates a public and contentious divorce from her husband, Bryan Abasolo.

According to TMZ, Rachel and Willie were spotted together at iHeart’s Jingle Ball in Los Angeles, where they appeared to be on a date. Eyewitnesses noted the pair looked comfortable and happy, even dancing together during T-Pain’s performance.

Their weekend reportedly continued with a visit to the Melrose Trading Post, a popular outdoor market, where they were seen with their dogs and even posted photos together on social media. Sources say Rachel seemed happier than she’s been in a long time.

Willie Jones, a former “X Factor” contestant, has been gaining attention in the music world, especially after his feature on Beyoncé’s latest project. Meanwhile, Rachel’s personal life has been under intense scrutiny since her split from Bryan Abasolo.

Rachel and Bryan met on “The Bachelorette” in 2017 and were married in 2019. Their relationship was often hailed as one of the franchise’s success stories. However, after four years of marriage, Bryan filed for divorce in January 2024.

The split came as a shock to many fans, but Rachel has since spoken candidly about the difficulties in their relationship. On a recent episode of “The View,” she admitted to ignoring warning signs and feeling shame about the marriage’s end, explaining, “You’re scared, you don’t want people to see you in a different way. A lot of that is wrapped up in shame.”

Despite their seemingly strong public image, Rachel revealed that their marriage faced challenges behind closed doors. The couple spent much of their relationship living apart due to their careers—Rachel in Los Angeles and Bryan running a chiropractic practice elsewhere.

Both tried to make the bi-coastal arrangement work, but ultimately, it wasn’t sustainable. Rachel also opened up about her fears regarding starting a family and how it might affect her career.

Rumors have long swirled about Bryan’s intentions, with some fans speculating he joined “The Bachelorette” for fame. His previous appearances on reality TV only fueled the gossip. However, only Bryan knows his true motivations.

Their interracial relationship also brought unique challenges, with the couple facing public scrutiny and criticism, often more intense than other “Bachelor Nation” pairs.

Rachel has spoken about the extra pressure they felt to defend their relationship, leading them to keep much of their personal life private.

Now, as Rachel moves forward, she appears to be embracing new beginnings. Her rumored romance with Willie Jones marks a hopeful chapter after a difficult year.

Both are thriving in their respective careers, and Rachel seems determined to focus on her happiness and growth.

While neither Rachel nor Willie have publicly confirmed their relationship, their recent outings suggest she’s ready to leave the past behind and look toward the future—on her own terms.