So, let's talk about the crossover nobody really saw coming. One minute we’re all mourning the end of the "Bravo Royal Couple" (RIP Paige and Craig), and the next, Natalie Buffett and Craig Conover are the name on everyone’s lips. It was quick. Maybe a little too quick? Honestly, if you blinked during the spring of 2025, you probably missed the whole thing.
Reality TV fans are used to whiplash, but this felt different. It wasn't just another Charleston socialite entering the fray. This was Natalie Buffett—the woman who spent years by the side of NFL superstar Dak Prescott. She’s got the civil engineering degree, the high-fashion Instagram, and a vibe that’s way more "quiet luxury" than "pillow fight on a Tuesday."
But as fast as it started, it sorta just... stopped.
The Timeline: How Natalie Buffett and Craig Conover Actually Met
Most people think this was a random Instagram DM situation. It wasn't. Sources close to the Charleston scene—and some deep-diving sleuths on Reddit—actually pointed out that Craig and Natalie had a "thing" way back in 2019. This was pre-Dak for her and pre-Paige for him. Apparently, they even went to the Bahamas together years ago, but it ended in a massive blowout argument.
Fast forward to late 2024. Craig is going through a brutal, public split from Paige DeSorbo. He’s admitting on podcasts that he’s crying to ChatGPT (yes, really) just to process his feelings. Then, around New Year’s 2025, eagle-eyed fans noticed they were both posting from the exact same snowy spots in Colorado.
By March 2025, Craig was on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, glowing like he’d just found a hidden stash of gold. He didn’t drop her name immediately, but he said he was "very happy" and seeing someone exclusively. He told Andy:
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"I’ve been reminded that the universe works in crazy ways, and everything happens for a reason."
Not long after, Us Weekly confirmed it: Natalie Buffett and Craig Conover were officially a thing.
Why the Romance Fizzled Fast
For a few weeks, it looked like Craig had finally found his "fairytale" ending. Natalie is 27, smart, and clearly used to the spotlight that comes with dating a high-profile athlete. She seemed like a stabilizing force for a guy who spent the last three years in a long-distance tug-of-war between Charleston and NYC.
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But by June 2025, the vibes shifted. Hard.
Craig hopped on The Toast podcast and dropped the bombshell that he was "flying sew-lo" again. It turns out, jumping from a three-year relationship where you were planning a marriage into a new exclusive romance within months is... well, it’s a lot.
Craig admitted he basically jumped the gun. He realized he hadn't actually healed from the Paige breakup; he was just trying to fill the void. He called Natalie a "really, really nice girl" and said she’d be someone’s "perfect person," but he just wasn't ready.
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Who is Natalie Buffett, Really?
If you only know her as "the ex-girlfriend," you’re missing the lead. She’s not just a social media influencer.
- Brain Power: She graduated from SMU with a degree in civil engineering.
- Career: She’s been the Director of Content Creation for OxeFit, a high-end home fitness company.
- The Name: No, she isn’t related to Warren Buffett or the late Jimmy Buffett. It's just a coincidence, though it definitely helped her trend on Google more than once.
- Dating History: Before Craig, she dated MLB pitcher Jack Flaherty and, of course, Dak Prescott for about two years.
She’s someone who values her privacy more than your average Bravo star. While Craig is an open book who will talk about his feelings to a literal brick wall if it’s filming, Natalie tends to keep things close to the vest. That personality clash might have been part of why things didn't stick.
Where Are They Now in 2026?
As we sit here in early 2026, the dust has finally settled. Natalie Buffett and Craig Conover are no longer a couple, and it doesn't look like a reboot is in the cards.
Craig has been spending a lot of time in London lately, trying to find himself outside of the Charleston bubble. He’s been very vocal about needing to stay single to figure out what he actually wants, rather than just what looks good on a Christmas card. Honestly, good for him.
Natalie is back to her globetrotting ways. Her Instagram is a masterclass in "living your best life" without the drama of reality TV cameras. She recently confirmed she’s single and focusing on her own projects, including some new fitness-tech ventures.
The Real Takeaway
If you’re looking for a lesson in the Natalie and Craig saga, it’s this: Rebounds are real, even for celebrities. It’s tempting to try and replace a "big love" with a "new love" immediately, but it rarely sticks if you haven't done the work. Craig tried to find a shortcut to happiness, and Natalie was caught in the crossfire.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to keep up with them, follow Natalie's Instagram for travel and career updates, but don't expect any more Charleston cameos. For Craig, the upcoming season of Southern Charm will likely dive into his "single era" and his move to London, which should be a refreshing change of pace from the engagement-ring-gate drama of years past.