The Journey of Pregnant Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Ken Urker
Gypsy Rose Blanchard realized Ken Urker was the one years ago. Now, the 33-year-old, who was released from prison in December for her mother’s murder, is expecting their baby.
Gypsy stated she recognized their special connection the first day they met. Although they first met in 2017, a great deal happened in Gypsy's life in the interim. Surprisingly, her initial instinct proved true about their destined bond.
Recently, Gypsy Rose revealed her pregnancy on July 9, sharing the joyful news through a maternity shoot on Instagram. Along with sonogram photos, she showcased a tiny sweater and other delightful signs of an upcoming baby. A month later, Gypsy announced that they are expecting a baby girl, expressing excitement to begin their family.
This new chapter surprised Gypsy since she had mentioned on YouTube that the pregnancy was "not planned at all." Moreover, she didn't foresee rekindling her relationship with Ken. "I didn't have it on my bingo card," she said to E! News in May. "And here we are."
Gypsy, known from the Lifetime docuseries Gypsy Rose: Life After Lockup, maintained her friendship with Ken despite previously marrying Ryan Anderson in June 2022. She disclosed in March that she separated from Ryan, whom she wed while incarcerated for her role in her mother’s 2015 murder.
Even when Gypsy and Ken interacted "sparingly" over the years, she affirmed they still remained friends. "It wasn't until I filed for divorce that I truly realized the spark we have," Gypsy reflected. "I've matured, he's grown. So right now feels like the right time."
Some commenters questioned the timing of her divorce filing and pregnancy announcement. However, Gypsy confidently affirmed Ken as the father. "This is absolutely 100 percent Ken’s baby," she told Good Morning America in July. "There was never any question of paternity."
Gypsy is certain that Ken will stand by her side through parenthood. He has supported her throughout the complex journey of grieving her mother, Clauddine "Dee Dee" Blanchard.
Having endured years of physical and emotional abuse under her mother's care, Gypsy was released from prison in December after her guilty plea to second-degree murder, serving 85 percent of her 10-year sentence. Kenneth, her former boyfriend, received a life sentence for killing Dee Dee.
"June 9 comes every year, and I find myself overwhelmed with sadness," Gypsy shared. "I reflect on our time together, playing her favorite songs, allowing myself to grieve privately without fear of judgment."
In addition to family support, Gypsy relies on Ken for help in commemorating her mother's memory. "Ken has done this with me a lot," she explained about his support, "thinking about positive memories."
As Gypsy prepares for motherhood, with a due date set for January 2025, she often reflects on how her mother's presence would have influenced their relationship. "It’s heartbreaking," she admitted in an October episode of The Viall Files. "I often think about what could've been, and that makes me sad."
However, she finds comfort in her stepmom Kristy filling that maternal role. "Kristy has become more of a mother to me than Dee Dee ever was," Gypsy shared. "So Kristy is going to be Grandma."
Throughout her pregnancy, Gypsy has offered fans a glimpse into her journey to motherhood through social media updates about her symptoms, cravings, ultrasounds, and baby bump photos. Despite facing critics asking about her preparedness for motherhood, she focuses on her health and well-being.
"All that matters is ensuring I’m healthy, the baby’s healthy, and that Ken and I have a positive relationship," Gypsy stated in a July YouTube video. "When your life transforms, it’s no longer just about you; it's about nurturing the little life inside you. That life is precious."
Ultimately, she conveyed her aspirations for motherhood, saying, "All the things that I wanted in a mother, I want to give to this baby."