Julianne Hough Sparks Dating Rumors With 'Bachelorette’ Alum Tanner Courtad
The most dramatic period of Trista Sutter’s marriage wasn’t so dramatic after all.
After a cryptic social media post from the Bachelorette alum’s husband Ryan Sutter sparked rumors of a split earlier this year, it turned out Trista was merely away competing on the third season of Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, which was teased in a trailer released in November.
“I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, it's finally here!’” she told People in an interview published Dec. 16. “I think there was a lot of speculation at that point in time when [Ryan] posted and then it died down, which it always does.”
Above all, Trista—who married Ryan in 2003 after appearing on the dating show’s first season—was relieved to finally add context to the online chatter.
“It was still really amazing to finally share—this is why he shouted that from the rooftops,” the 52-year-old continued. “And if you read it again, the post, knowing that that's where I was, it totally makes sense.”
In May, Ryan, 50, shared a message about missing his wife and alluding to distance between the two, leading fans to express worry for her well-being.
“So many times I’ve called without much to say,” he wrote on Instagram, “not realizing how lucky I was or how much I’d miss the opportunity if it were gone.”
Instagram/Trista Sutter
While Ryan assured fans that both Trista and their marriage were “fine” the following day, Trista—who shares son Maxwell, 17, and daughter Blakesley, 15, with the former NFL safety—took a more lighthearted approach, joking about the rumors as she shared a photo of the family together on the beach.
“Geez people,” she wrote. “Can’t a girl have a nervous breakdown/trial separation/midlife crisis/death/divorce in peace around here?!”
Kidding aside, Trista did also state plainly that all is well with her longtime love.
“For those concerned, I’m safe and sound, happy and healthy, in love and grateful,” she added. “For those who’d rather focus on being critical and searching way too hard for darkness, good luck with that.”
