If you’ve spent any time on TLC over the last decade, you know Chantel Everett’s love life has been a literal roller coaster. First, there was the years-long saga with Pedro Jimeno—the divorce that felt like it was never going to end—and then that confusing summer fling in Greece with Giannis. But lately, the internet has been buzzing with a very specific question: is Chantel dating a woman?
The short answer? Yes. And it’s not just a "rumor" anymore. In fact, things have moved way past the "dating" phase.
The Big Reveal on Hunt for Love
For a long time, fans were just guessing. People saw her posting cryptic stories on Instagram or noticed her getting close with certain friends. But the real confirmation came during her time on the spinoff 90 Day: Hunt for Love. Honestly, it was one of those reality TV moments that actually felt real for once.
Chantel basically admitted to the cameras that before she even headed to the dating retreat, something shifted with a longtime friend named Ashley Bowen.
They were hanging out, drinking wine—standard friend stuff—until Ashley dropped the bombshell that she had romantic feelings for Chantel. Then came the kiss. Chantel described it as a total "faint-worthy" moment. She was shocked, sure, but she also realized she really liked it. It’s wild how one night can totally flip your perspective on your own sexuality, especially when you’ve spent your entire adult life in the public eye as part of a high-profile heterosexual couple.
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Is Chantel Dating a Woman? The Details on Her Fiancée
By the time the Hunt for Love Tell All rolled around in mid-2025, Chantel wasn't just "exploring" anymore. She came out publicly, telling her castmates and the world that she was in a committed relationship with Ashley.
Who is Ashley Bowen? * She’s a music artist.
- She was actually friends with Chantel’s brother, River, first.
- She’s been a staple in the family’s circle for years, which made the transition to "girlfriend" both easier and, predictably, a bit more dramatic.
The relationship isn't just a casual thing. On December 17, 2025, Ashley pulled off a massive surprise at Uhuburg, which is this stunning Renaissance-style castle in Helen, Georgia. Chantel thought they were just there for a photo shoot. Next thing she knows, Ashley is on one knee with a ring and a custom song called "Duet for Juliet."
Yeah, they’re engaged.
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Why the Family (Especially Karen) Had Thoughts
It wouldn't be a Chantel story without some family drama. While River seems to be the supportive brother he’s always been, Karen Everett had a different take. During the Tell All, Karen claimed she was actually friends with Ashley first. She even voiced concerns that Ashley might have used that friendship just to get close to Chantel.
Typical Karen, right? Always looking for a "harvesting the American dollar" type of angle, even when it’s someone from their own backyard.
Despite the skepticism from the "Family Chantel" matriarch, the couple seems inseparable. They even share an Instagram account now—@chantashleydiaries—and have been seen on 90 Day Diaries trying out jiu-jitsu together and navigating Chantel’s recent health journey, including her breast reduction surgery.
What This Means for Her Future
Seeing Chantel move on like this is pretty fascinating. For five seasons of The Family Chantel, we watched her marriage with Pedro crumble under the weight of meddling parents and communication breakdowns. Now, she says she feels "safe" and that the relationship is "healthy."
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It’s a huge shift from the screaming matches in the Dominican Republic.
Honestly, the fact that she met her match in a longtime friend suggests she’s done with the "90-day" rush. No K-1 visas, no international flight drama—just two people who already knew each other’s baggage deciding to make it official.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
If you're looking to keep up with the latest, skip the tabloid rumors and check their joint social media. They’ve been very open about their engagement and day-to-day life in Atlanta. Also, keep an eye on upcoming 90 Day spinoffs; with an engagement this high-profile, it’s almost certain TLC is filming the wedding prep.
The biggest takeaway here? People change, and sometimes the person you’re looking for has been sitting on your couch drinking wine with you for five years.