When Danae Hays first blew up on TikTok, she was one half of a high-energy duo that seemed basically untouchable. Then came 2024. The split from her ex-wife, Mandie Kaii, didn't just rattle her followers—it felt like a glitch in the simulation for the "masc-femme" TikTok world. But honestly? The comeback story is usually better than the original, and Danae Hays new girlfriend is the primary reason the internet is currently collectively losing its mind.
The search for who Danae is dating has been frantic. After months of cryptic "staycation" vibes and blurry Instagram stories, we finally got a name: Jenn Cooke.
If that name sounds familiar, you're likely a country music fan. Jenn is the sister of chart-topping artist Ashley Cooke, which makes this a literal Nashville power pairing. But this wasn't just a random PR stunt or a quick rebound. According to Danae, it was a "God-drop" moment that happened when she was just trying to survive her first major tour.
Who Exactly Is Jenn Cooke?
People keep asking what Jenn does, besides being a "sister of." She’s a creative in her own right—an actress and creator who seems to speak Danae’s language without the competition.
They met back in May 2025. It started at a group dinner where, despite four other people being at the table, Danae says they felt like the only ones there. It’s that cliche "spark" story, but when you’ve watched Danae navigate a very public, very messy divorce, you kind of want the cliche for her.
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They waited two months to go public. Two months doesn't seem like long, but in "influencer time," that’s basically a decade. Danae was terrified of the world getting to know them before they actually knew each other. It’s a valid fear. When your career is built on sharing your life, sometimes you have to hoard the good stuff just to make sure it’s real.
The Contrast to the Past
A lot of the buzz around Danae Hays new girlfriend stems from how different this feels compared to her marriage with Mandie. Fans on Reddit and TikTok have been dissecting every single frame of their "hard launch" photoshoot.
Jenn calls Danae by her real name, Kendall.
"She says that 'I get to see Kendall, when the world gets to see Danae,'" Hays told People.
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That’s a heavy distinction. When your stage persona is a loud, southern, wig-wearing comedian, having someone who wants the girl behind the curtain is probably the ultimate "recharge."
Why the Internet is Divided (As Always)
You can't have a "hard launch" without a little drama. Nashville is basically a small town with a big budget, and the lesbian community there is even smaller. The fact that everyone seemingly knows everyone’s ex can make things... awkward.
Some corners of the internet (mostly r/CelebWivesNash2) have been a bit skeptical. They’ve pointed out:
- The speed of the move-on (though the divorce happened in 2024, so it wasn't exactly overnight).
- The "shade" being thrown back and forth between the exes.
- The sudden reunion of Danae with her mother and sister after years of estrangement.
Some fans believe Jenn was the missing piece that helped Danae mend those family fences. Others think the public displays of affection are a bit performative. But if you look at the photos from their July 2025 launch, there’s a softness there that wasn't always present in the high-octane content of the past.
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It's a Career Shift, Too
Jenn isn't just a partner; she’s a part of the tour life now. She’s been spotted working the merch table at Danae’s comedy shows. Imagine being a country music royalty sibling and standing behind a table selling "Sharon Jean" t-shirts. That’s commitment. Or just really good vibes.
Moving Forward With Danae and Jenn
So, what’s next? Honestly, it looks like a "restoration" era. Danae has been more candid than ever about her "conversion therapy" past and the trauma of her upbringing. Finding a partner who encourages that vulnerability rather than just the "on" version of her comedy is clearly changing her content.
If you're following the Danae Hays new girlfriend saga, here is what you actually need to keep an eye on:
- The Ashley Cooke Connection: Expect more crossovers. A music video appearance? A comedy skit featuring the country star? It’s almost guaranteed.
- The "Kendall" Factor: Look for more behind-the-scenes content that isn't just about the characters. Danae is leaning into being her real self.
- The Tour Vlogs: Jenn is on the road with her. This is where the real relationship dynamic will show up.
Whether you're Team Mandie or Team Jenn, one thing is pretty clear: Danae isn't hiding anymore. She’s traded the "perfect" TikTok marriage for something that looks a lot more like a real, messy, happy life.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
If you want to stay updated without the tabloid fluff, follow Jenn Cooke’s Instagram directly. She often posts the "real" moments that don't make it to Danae’s high-production TikTok feed. Also, if you’re attending the 2026 tour dates, keep an eye on the merch booth—you’ll likely see the "new girlfriend" herself keeping things running while Danae is on stage.