It is early 2026, and if you have been scrolling through Instagram lately, you’ve probably noticed something different about Nina Dobrev. The smiles are bigger. The vacations are sunnier. But the ring? The ring is gone.
Honestly, it’s a lot to keep up with.
For years, the phrase nina dobrev with boyfriend basically meant one thing: Shaun White. They were the "it" couple that nobody saw coming but everyone ended up rooting for. From the quirky TikToks during the 2020 lockdown to her screaming in the stands at the Beijing Olympics, they felt permanent. Then came the 2024 engagement. It was a five-carat Lorraine Schwartz dream at The Golden Swan in New York.
And then, it just stopped.
What Really Happened with Nina and Shaun?
In September 2025, the news hit like a ton of bricks. Nina and Shaun called off their engagement. It wasn't some scandalous blowout or a "who cheated" tabloid frenzy. According to sources close to the pair, it was a "mutual decision" made with "deep respect."
But fans aren't always satisfied with "mutual."
The internet spent weeks dissecting her Instagram. People noticed she unpinned the engagement post. They noticed she showed up to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) for her movie Eternity with a very bare left hand.
Wait. Why did they actually break up?
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Reports have been a bit contradictory, which is typical for Hollywood. Some insiders told People that Nina was ready to settle down and start a family, while Shaun wasn't there yet. Others say they both wanted the same things but just couldn't make the timing work with their massive careers. Shaun himself finally broke his silence in early January 2026. In an interview with the Associated Press, he admitted that when you plan "forever" with someone, everything has to fit just right.
Clearly, something didn't fit.
The St. Barts Trip and the Glen Powell Rumors
Fast forward to right now—January 2026. Nina just celebrated her 37th birthday. She’s looking incredible and, frankly, like she’s having the time of her life.
She kicked off the year in St. Barts.
If you saw the photos, you know exactly why the "nina dobrev with boyfriend" searches started spiking again. She was spotted on a yacht with a group of A-listers, including her ex-boyfriend Glen Powell.
Before you get too excited: Glen brought his rumored new partner, Michelle Randolph.
Seeing Nina and Glen together again—even just as friends—is a total trip for long-time fans. They dated briefly back in 2017. Most people can't even stand to look at their ex's Instagram, yet here is Nina, laughing on a boat with hers. It’s a masterclass in "amicable." The group also included Miles Teller and his wife Keleigh, plus Chord Overstreet. Basically, it was a "Who's Who" of Hollywood's tightest friend circle.
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Who is Nina Dobrev Dating Now?
The short answer? Nobody. Or at least, nobody she’s telling us about.
There were some wild whispers about her and Zac Efron after they were seen on a yacht back in late 2025. People jumped to conclusions because, well, it’s Nina Dobrev and Zac Efron. Who wouldn't want to see that? But there’s been zero evidence of anything serious there.
Nina seems to be leaning into her "single era."
She’s been posting TikToks that are equal parts hilarious and pointed. One featured her mouthing along to Ariana Grande’s "Break Free" while showing off her empty ring finger. She also clapped back at some pretty nasty "yacht girl" rumors recently, telling people to "get a hobby" and enjoy their own lives.
Go off, Nina.
A Look Back at the Guys Who Came Before
To understand where she is now, you have to look at where she’s been. Her dating history is basically a list of some of the most charming men in the industry.
- Ian Somerhalder: The big one. The Vampire Diaries fans are still not over this. They dated for three years and even stayed friends (and co-stars) after the 2013 split.
- Derek Hough: A brief romance in 2013. He’s the brother of her best friend, Julianne Hough. Kinda awkward? Maybe, but they seem fine now.
- Austin Stowell: They were fairly public in 2015/2016. It lasted about seven months.
- Grant Mellon: A screenwriter she dated in 2019 before the Shaun White era began.
She also had short flings or "spotted" moments with Liam Hemsworth, James Marsden, and Orlando Bloom. She definitely has a type: talented, driven, and usually very athletic or outdoorsy.
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Why Her Current Status Matters for Fans
The fascination with nina dobrev with boyfriend isn't just about gossip. For a lot of women who grew up watching Degrassi or TVD, Nina represents a specific kind of modern womanhood. She’s successful, she’s a business owner (her wine brand, Fresh Vine Wine, is still a thing), and she’s incredibly close with her family.
Seeing her navigate a broken engagement at 36 with this much grace is actually pretty inspiring.
She isn't hiding under a covers. She’s traveling to Antarctica, filming erotic thrillers like Night Float, and proving that being "single" isn't a waiting room—it's the main event.
What to Expect Next
If you're waiting for a massive "hard launch" of a new guy on her feed, don't hold your breath. Nina has always been a bit of a strategic sharer. She’ll give us the fun vacation videos, but she keeps the heavy emotional stuff close to the chest.
Here is what we actually know for certain in 2026:
- The Shaun White chapter is officially closed.
- She and Glen Powell are the ultimate "friendly exes" goals.
- She is focusing on her production projects and her 37th year.
If you want to keep up with her real-time status, your best bet is watching her Instagram Stories rather than the grid. That’s where the "unfiltered" Nina usually lives. For now, the "boyfriend" in her life is herself, her friends, and probably a very expensive bottle of rosé in St. Barts.
Actionable Insight for Fans: If you're looking for the most accurate updates on Nina's personal life, ignore the "yacht girl" tabloid clickbait. Stick to verified sources like People or her own direct social media engagement. She has become much more vocal about calling out fake news in 2026, so if it's true, you'll likely hear a hint of it from her first.