Chris Harrison may have exited The Bachelor franchise for good, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t finding ways to embrace adventure and follow his own journey to love. Harrison is sorely missed by some fans, while others affirm that his exit was more than appropriate after making the highly problematic decision to defend Rachel Kirkconnell to Rachel Lindsay. Chris issued a formal apology to Rachel Lindsay, fans of the show, and the entire Bachelor Nation. While it was initially reported that Harrison was just taking a break from the show, he's now made a formal exit officially.
While fans absolutely adored Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe as the new hosts of The Bachelorette, there is also an international fan base who are missing Chris and wish he would return to the franchise. Chris has been prompt to respond to his fans that he does miss being an integral part of the show, while also making clear that he holds no ill will towards Bachelor Nation for moving on without him.
Chris has been notably quiet on all social media outlets since his post cementing the end of his Bachelor journey. After accepting a nice chunk of change from ABC, Chris wrote on Instagram in June, “I’ve had a truly incredible run as host of The Bachelor franchise and now I’m excited to start a new chapter. I’m so grateful to Bachelor Nation for all of the memories we’ve made together. While my two-decade journey is wrapping up, the friendships I’ve made will last a lifetime.”
Chris is Blossoming His Love Life
What we have seen of Chris is a cheerful anniversary tribute to his partner and fellow entertainment media personality Lauren Zima. Back in April, there was speculation that they secretly married after Chris posted a photo of the two looking doe-eyed in formal wear. Chris wrote under the post, “I’d stop the world and melt with you @laurenzima there’s no one I’d rather celebrate love with and I’ll be your plus one anytime.” Lauren clarified however that the shot was of a bridesmaid dress from a wedding Chris and Lauren attended together. The couple has been together since summer 2018 and despite a 16-year age gap they have been going strong ever since.
Chris is Also Putting Family First
Chris has been feeling nostalgic about his daughter Taylor Harrison’s first day of her senior year. Chris wrote under the post “My baby girl headed off to her senior year of HS today. Tay I’ve never been more proud of the incredible woman you are. So many experiences and greatness ahead.” Chris finished off the post with a reference to Ferris Bueler’s Day Off saying, “‘’Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.’” Some fans may remember he also took some time off during Clare and Tayshia's season to move his son into college at Texas Christian University.
If one thing is for sure, despite some stumbling blocks in 2021, Chris loves making eighties references and his life is as full of love as it’s ever been. Here’s hoping his journey outside Bachelor Nation will continue on that note and with greater respect and awareness of the very serious injustices plaguing this world.