If you’ve spent any time on the internet lately, you’ve probably seen the blurry paparazzi shots. Dakota Johnson is sitting at a candlelit table, leaning into a guy with bleached hair and a lot of tattoos. It’s a far cry from the quiet, Malibu-beach-walk vibes we got from her for nearly eight years.
Honestly, the "who is Dakota Johnson dating now" question has been a moving target for months. Ever since the news broke in June 2025 that she and Chris Martin finally called it quits, everyone’s been waiting for the other shoe to drop. Well, it dropped. Or rather, it walked into a cozy restaurant in late December and then showed up at a New Year’s Eve party looking very, very official.
Dakota is reportedly dating Role Model—the 28-year-old singer whose real name is Tucker Pillsbury.
The two were first spotted getting "cuddled up" during a dinner with friends just before the new year. By the time the clock struck midnight on December 31, sources at her private party told Entertainment Tonight they were "inseparable." We’re talking kissing, dancing, and the kind of PDA that makes it pretty clear they aren't just "good friends" sharing a martini.
The End of the Chris Martin Era
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of Tucker Pillsbury, we have to talk about why this feels like such a massive shift. Dakota and Chris Martin were Hollywood’s "cool, quiet couple" since 2017. They were engaged for years. They lived that low-profile Malibu life.
But according to insiders talking to The Daily Mail and People, the relationship just couldn't be sustained long-term.
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It was hot and cold. On and off. In June 2025, it became "final." Reports surfaced that Dakota was "sick of him dragging his feet" on a wedding date. Others pointed to their 12-year age gap and different views on the future. Whatever the specific reason, Dakota reportedly feels "lighter" and "more at peace" now.
It’s interesting because Chris has also moved on, reportedly dating Game of Thrones alum Sophie Turner as of late 2025.
So, Who is Role Model (Tucker Pillsbury)?
If you aren't a Gen Z music fan or a devotee of influencer culture, the name Role Model might be new to you. Tucker is 28—eight years younger than Dakota. He’s a singer-songwriter known for his bedroom-pop sound and high-profile past relationship with influencer Emma Chamberlain.
They dated for three years before splitting in 2023. That breakup actually inspired his latest album, Kansas Anymore.
Tucker is open. Like, really open. He’s talked publicly about his struggles with mental health and his diagnosis with type 1 diabetes. He’s got over a million followers on Instagram, and even though Dakota doesn't follow him yet (classic Dakota privacy move), he’s already being followed by half of Hollywood, from Natalie Portman to Joe Jonas.
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Why the vibe is different
The transition from a 48-year-old rock star to a 28-year-old indie singer says a lot about where Dakota is at. Sources told the National Enquirer that she’s having "so much fun" and that Tucker has "opened her eyes to everything she was missing out on."
It’s less about settling down and more about emotional relief. After the "heaviness" of the last few years with Chris, this new connection is reportedly "fun and energizing."
- The Age Factor: Dakota is 36. Tucker is 28. (Chris was 48).
- The Visibility: Unlike her super-private years in Malibu, she’s being seen in public more frequently.
- The Timeline: She started "slowly dating" around November 2025 before things heated up with Tucker in December.
What Dakota Says About Dating (And Why She’s Bad At It)
Dakota is notoriously private, but she’s dropped some hilarious nuggets about her romantic life recently. While promoting her film Materialists, she told ELLE UK that the concept of dating is actually "foreign" to her.
"I've never dated anybody," she admitted. "I've had boyfriends, but I have never been on a dating app. I just don't know that world."
She also joked on the Today show that her only "non-negotiable" for a partner is "not being an a--h---." Simple enough, right? She also made headlines in October 2025 for saying that men who wear flip-flops in public are a major red flag.
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Tucker Pillsbury, for the record, seems to prefer sneakers and loafers.
What to Expect Next
Don’t expect a red carpet debut tomorrow. Dakota likes to keep things close to the chest. However, with her directing her first feature film, A Tree Is Blue, and starring in the upcoming Verity adaptation (slated for October 2026), she’s going to be in the spotlight plenty.
If you want to keep up with the latest on Dakota and Role Model, here is the best way to do it:
- Watch the Music: Tucker is a songwriter. If they're the real deal, expect some lyrics about a "Materialist" or a "Madame" in his next project.
- Check the Paparazzi Hotspots: They’ve been frequenting quiet spots in New York and London lately, rather than the typical LA haunts.
- Stay Skeptical of "Final" Labels: As we saw with Chris, Dakota’s relationships can be complex. Right now, it’s about "fun," not "forever."
The "who is Dakota Johnson dating now" saga isn't just about a new boyfriend; it's about her reclaiming a sense of playfulness after a long, serious chapter. Whether Tucker is a long-term match or a "healing" romance, she seems happy, and that’s the biggest takeaway for fans.
Keep an eye on the 2026 festival circuits. If Tucker plays a set and Dakota is side-stage, you’ll know it’s officially serious.