Honestly, following Dakota Johnson’s love life has always felt like trying to read a book where half the pages are stuck together. She’s the queen of the "cozy and private" lifestyle. But lately, things have gotten loud. After nearly eight years of being the "indie-cool" stepmom to Chris Martin’s kids, the Fifty Shades star has officially entered a new era.
It’s over with the Coldplay frontman.
The breakup rumors that plagued them for years finally stuck in June 2025. Sources close to the pair told People that while they tried "desperately hard" to make it work, the split was final. Fast forward to right now, January 2026, and Dakota isn’t just "slowly dating" anymore. She’s been spotted all over Los Angeles with a new man, and if you haven't heard of him yet, you're about to.
Dakota Johnson and Boyfriend Role Model: The New Couple on the Block
So, who is the guy? His name is Tucker Pillsbury, but the internet (and the music charts) knows him as Role Model.
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He’s 28. She’s 36.
The age gap is there, but in reverse of her last relationship where Chris Martin was 12 years her senior. People first started whispering about them in late December 2025. They were seen at a dinner in L.A. looking, well, very much like a couple. TMZ even reported Dakota was "all cuddled up" and basically lying on him in a booth. If that’s not a confirmation in Hollywood speak, I don’t know what is.
The vibe is completely different this time. With Chris, it was all about Malibu beach walks, quiet nights in, and being part of a "modern family" with Gwyneth Paltrow. It was heavy. It was serious. Tucker, on the other hand, is a vibe. He’s a singer-songwriter who spent the last few years being famously linked to influencer Emma Chamberlain. Their breakup was the soul of his album Kansas Anymore, so we know the man can write a heartbreak anthem.
Why the Chris Martin Split Actually Stuck This Time
To understand why Dakota Johnson and boyfriend Role Model are making headlines, you have to look at the wreckage of what came before.
Dakota and Chris were engaged. For years.
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That giant emerald ring she wore wasn't just for show; insiders confirmed they’d been promised to each other since 2020. But they never actually made it to the altar. Why? Sources suggested that the "on-off" nature of their relationship became exhausting. They’d break up, the reps would deny it, they’d be seen at Glastonbury, and then the cycle would repeat.
By June 2025, the "heaviness" apparently became too much. While Chris has since been linked to Game of Thrones alum Sophie Turner, Dakota seems to be leaning into something lighter.
- Energy Shift: Tucker is known for being quirky, open about mental health, and having a bit of a chaotic "Gen Z" edge.
- Public Presence: Unlike the ultra-secretive years with Martin, Dakota’s New Year’s Eve 2026 party was a bit of a coming-out party. Guests described them as "inseparable," dancing and kissing without worrying about who saw.
- The "Sally" Factor: Role Model has this thing during his live shows where he brings a celebrity "Sally" on stage. Dakota actually appeared as "Madeline" during his SNL stint—a nod to her own quirky public persona.
Is It Serious or Just a Rebound?
If you’re looking for wedding bells, maybe take a beat.
Insiders have been pretty vocal that Dakota isn't exactly looking to "settle down" again just yet. After nearly a decade in a high-pressure, high-profile relationship that ended in a cancelled engagement, she’s reportedly just having fun. Tucker is "energizing" her.
It’s worth noting that Tucker (Role Model) has been very open about his Type 1 diabetes and his struggles with depression. Dakota has always been a champion of mental health awareness, so there’s a deeper connection there than just two pretty people grabbing sushi.
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What This Means for Dakota’s Career
Usually, when a star changes partners, their "brand" changes too.
Dakota has been busy. She’s got Materialists (that rom-com with Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans) and Splitsville on the horizon. Interestingly, while she was promoting Materialists right after the Chris Martin split, she was wearing what the fashion world called "revenge dresses"—lots of sheer tulle and sharp tailoring.
She seems, as one source put it, "lighter."
Key Takeaways for Fans
- The Chris Martin Era is Dead: Despite the shoutouts Chris gave her on stage in late 2025, they are officially moving in different circles.
- Tucker is the Real Deal (For Now): This isn't just a one-off sighting. The NYE sightings and the L.A. dinner dates suggest they are a legitimate item.
- Privacy Still Rules: Don't expect a "hard launch" on Instagram. Dakota still doesn't even follow Tucker on social media, keeping that old-school Hollywood mystery alive.
Navigating the Gossip: What to Do Next
If you’re trying to keep up with the Dakota Johnson and boyfriend saga, keep an eye on the Coachella lineup or the upcoming fashion week circuits. That’s usually where these "indie-pop meets Hollywood" couples make their debut.
For those who loved the "blended family" dynamic she had with Gwyneth, don't worry—Dakota has famously said she loves Chris’s kids "like her life depends on it." That bond likely isn't going anywhere, even if the romance has shifted.
The best way to stay updated isn't through the official reps (who usually deny everything until the last second) but through the subtle hints in interviews. Dakota’s next press tour will likely be full of "new chapter" talk. Watch for her to mention her new perspective on "fun" and "spontaneity"—clear codes for the Tucker Pillsbury effect.