Former “Bachelor” Ben Higgins is “thrilled” for ex-fiancée Lauren Bushnell’s engagement to country singer Chris Lane, but wants this new milestone to bring some separation between the former couple.
“I hope, for Lauren and myself, is that my life isn’t as closely tied to Lauren anymore,” he said on his “Almost Famous” podcast. “I hope that people aren’t reaching out … I hope this is a chapter being closed completely because I don’t know Lauren anymore and my life isn’t tied to her.”
Higgins proposed to Bushnell on Season 20 of “The Bachelor” in 2016 after telling two contestants, including Bushnell and “Bachelorette” star JoJo Fletcher, that he was in love with both of them.
The couple announced their split in May 2017, telling People, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce our decision to go our separate ways. We feel fortunate for the time we had together, and will remain friends with much love and respect for one another. We wish nothing but the best for each other.”
Bushnell began dating Lane, her now-fiancé, in Nov. 2018. Higgins shared in February he has a new girlfriend named Jessica Clarke, according to Entertainment Tonight.
“It brings joy to me because I am so happy, and I am so fulfilled, and I found an amazing woman to spend my time with, and Lauren has found an amazing man to spend her life with, and we’re gonna move on, and it’s good for all,” Higgins said on his podcast Tuesday. “Lauren, congrats. Chris, congrats. I wish you the best.”
The former reality star said he and his ex left their relationship with the hopes that life would bring each of them happiness, adding, “I want nothing but joy and everything that our relationship couldn’t have brought you in Chris.”
“Lauren, congratulations for you,” he added. “We’re thrilled for you. You found a man that you love without any pressure and … I could not be more excited for you.”