Jade Roper, who is close friends with Bachelor in Paradise couple Carly Waddell and Evan Bass, believes the pair aren't ready to give up on their relationship just yet. After more than three years of marriage, Carly announced in December 2020 via her YouTube channel that she and Evan decided to separate. She revealed that the Bachelor in Paradise couple came to the conclusion to end their marriage right before Thanksgiving last year. They even spent Christmas apart.
Bachelor Nation fans saw their relationship develop when they both headed down to Mexico for season three of Bachelor in Paradise. After an unpleasant first date, it seemed Evan would never be able to win over Carly. However, after he suffered an illness and Carly was there by his side, the two began to fall in love. During the final rose ceremony, Evan got down on one knee and proposed to her. A year later, the couple was married on the same beach in Mexico.
In a recent interview with Us Weekly, Bachelor in Paradise alum Jade gave her thoughts on the recent photos of Carly and Evan grabbing lunch together on Mothers Day. "I think they’re just trying to figure it out, you know, they’re just separated right now," the 34-year-old admitted to the news outlet. "They’re not officially divorced and with children, I think it’s something that they want to, like, make sure that they exhaust all avenues before they give up on their relationship...She’s just kind of trying to figure out what’s best for them." When the mother of three was asked about whether or not she wants the couple to reconcile, Jade said she just wants Carly to be happy. As long as Carly is "happy and thriving," Jade is going to support her friend.
On Sunday, Bachelor in Paradise's Carly and Evan reunited for brunch at a hotel restaurant without their children present. Fans immediately thought the BIP couple was possibly getting back together, but unfortunately that was not the case. Carly's team told E! News in a statement that their get-together was to focus on cultivating a supportive friendship rather than rekindling a romance. The former partners were just catching up to discuss co-parenting and the kids' summer schedules. However, their outing together is a step in the right direction for the fractured relationship.
Overall, Jade wants Carly and Evan to be happy, whether or not they stay in their marriage. She cares deeply for them both and hopes whatever decision they make is the right one for them. The Bachelor in Paradise pair has been working through their issues offline in hopes of at least maintaining a friendship. Whatever they decide, Carly and Evan want to remain close for the sake of their two kids.