Gabby Windey Explains Missing Bachelorette Reunion, Calls Taylor Frankie Paul a 'Genius' Choice

The former Bachelorette star was out of town but shared her support for the upcoming season's lead.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:09pm by Ben Kaplan

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Gabby Windey, who was the co-lead of The Bachelorette in Season 19, explained why she missed the recent Bachelorette reunion special. Windey said she was out of town and just too busy to attend, but she expressed her support for the new Bachelorette, Taylor Frankie Paul, calling her a 'genius' choice for the role. Windey also discussed her own busy schedule, including her marriage to comedian Robby Hoffman and her upcoming roles in Netflix's The Body and other projects.

Why it matters

Gabby Windey's absence from the Bachelorette reunion was notable, as the special brought together many former franchise leads. However, Windey's explanation that she was simply too busy with her own commitments provides insight into how her life has changed since her time on the show. Her endorsement of Taylor Frankie Paul as the new Bachelorette also signals her continued engagement with the franchise, despite not being able to attend the reunion.

The details

Gabby Windey told ET that she missed the Bachelorette: Before the First Rose special because she was 'out of town' and has 'just been so busy.' Since her time on The Bachelorette, Windey's career has taken off - she was the runner-up on Dancing with the Stars, came out as queer, and married comedian Robby Hoffman. Windey also has upcoming roles in the Netflix series The Body and a recurring part on Hacks. Despite her absence, Windey expressed support for the new Bachelorette, Taylor Frankie Paul, calling her a 'genius' choice for the role.

  • The Bachelorette: Before the First Rose special aired on March 15, 2026.

The players

Gabby Windey

A former co-lead of The Bachelorette in Season 19 who has since seen her career take off, including a runner-up finish on Dancing with the Stars, coming out as queer, and marrying comedian Robby Hoffman.

Taylor Frankie Paul

The upcoming lead of The Bachelorette Season 22, known for her role on the reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

Robby Hoffman

A comedian who is married to Gabby Windey and has a recurring role on the HBO series Rooster.

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What they’re saying

“I was out of town. … I've just been so busy, so it's hard to make everything work. But no, that's amazing. I'm so happy for them just to, like, get together again.”

— Gabby Windey, Former Bachelorette

“I think she'll crush.”

— Gabby Windey, Former Bachelorette

What’s next

Taylor Frankie Paul's season of The Bachelorette is set to premiere on March 22, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and will stream the next day on Hulu.

The takeaway

Gabby Windey's absence from the Bachelorette reunion highlights how her life has changed since her time on the show, with a busy schedule that includes acting roles, a marriage, and other commitments. However, her endorsement of Taylor Frankie Paul as the new Bachelorette lead shows Windey's continued engagement with the franchise and support for its future.