Former 'Bachelor' Star Jake Pavelka, 48, Announces Engagement

The pilot-turned-entrepreneur proposed to his girlfriend Aimee, 41, after two years of dating.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Jake Pavelka, the former star of the reality TV show 'The Bachelor,' has announced his engagement to his girlfriend Aimee. The 48-year-old proposed to the 41-year-old aerospace and defense contracts worker in November 2025 after the couple met on the dating app Bumble in 2024. Pavelka popped the question at their Dallas apartment, setting up a romantic scene with rose petals and candles after a dinner date.

Why it matters

Pavelka's engagement announcement comes nearly 17 years after he first appeared on 'The Bachelorette' in 2009, launching his journey to find love on reality TV. His previous relationship from 'The Bachelor' ended in a high-profile split, so this new engagement represents a new chapter for the former reality star.

The details

Pavelka said he went back-and-forth on whether to propose in a big, extravagant way or with a more intimate, private setting. He ultimately chose the latter, setting up a romantic scene at their apartment after dinner. Aimee was initially confused by the candles and rose petals, but then Pavelka got down on one knee and proposed, to which she said yes.

  • Pavelka and Aimee met on the dating app Bumble in January 2024.
  • Pavelka proposed to Aimee on November 22, 2025.

The players

Jake Pavelka

A 48-year-old former reality TV star who appeared on 'The Bachelorette' in 2009 and starred in the 14th season of 'The Bachelor' in 2010.

Aimee

Pavelka's 41-year-old girlfriend who works in aerospace and defense contracts.

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What they’re saying

“We went and had a great dinner and laughed and had champagne. Then we took an Uber back to our apartment. I had rose petals on the ground and a table set up with candles. We walked in the apartment and she was like, 'What's going on here? Did somebody break into our apartment?' She was looking at a table trying to figure out how a candle got lit.”

— Jake Pavelka (People)

“When she turned around, I was down on one knee with a really pretty ring, and I asked her to marry me. She kind of gasped and then muttered yes. It was sweet and intimate. I definitely made the right choice keeping it private. It was a really special moment.”

— Jake Pavelka (People)

“The proposal 'would've been perfect' even if it was 'just him asking'.”

— Aimee (People)

The takeaway

Pavelka's engagement to Aimee represents a new chapter for the former reality TV star, who had a high-profile split from his previous 'Bachelor' relationship. Their private, intimate proposal shows that Pavelka has found a connection that is meaningful and lasting beyond the spotlight of reality TV.