Dakota Mortensen posted a cryptic Instagram Story Wednesday that appeared to address recent developments in his ex Taylor Frankie Paul’s life after she was revealed as the Season 22 lead on ABC’s The Bachelorette.
In a visibly emotional selfie, the 32-year-old real estate agent leaned his head on his hand while looking off-camera and wrote, “Had so many curveballs today and every time I am always reminded there is nothing more important than God and family.” He added, “Life is to [sic] short.” Mortensen did not specify what he meant by “curveballs.”
Two hours earlier, Mortensen shared what he described as a response to the reported assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, writing, “Praying for his wife and kids.” He closed that earlier post with the same sentiment, saying he was reminded there is nothing more important than God and family.
Paul, 31, disclosed on the Call Her Daddy podcast Wednesday that she will be the next Bachelorette, a casting decision that marks a notable shift for the franchise. Paul — best known from the series Secret Lives of Mormon Wives — acknowledged on the podcast that she had not confirmed the news with Mortensen before making it public and said she expected her ex would be “sad.” She added, “Yeah, I think he’s always watching,” when asked whether she thought he would tune in.
The two share a 1-year-old son, Ever. Paul also has two children with her ex-husband, Tate Paul: daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 5. Paul has spoken publicly about the emotional toll of her split with Mortensen, telling the podcast that the breakup was “one of the hardest summers I’ve ever had.” She has acknowledged post-split intimate encounters in interviews, and Mortensen responded on TikTok to one such remark with a comment that read, “1 or 2 times….Got it lol.”
Paul’s selection has drawn attention because the franchise has not previously cast a lead who was a reality star from another series. Her announcement on Call Her Daddy and subsequent social-media activity have prompted public reactions from acquaintances and former partners, though neither party has issued a longer statement to network or production representatives about the casting announcement or their personal exchanges.
Mortensen’s Story did not mention The Bachelorette by name; the timing of his posts, however, led media outlets and social-media users to link his remarks to Paul’s casting. Paul posted on her own Instagram Story that she felt “blessed for the support” she had received since the announcement.
Representatives for Paul and Mortensen did not immediately respond to requests for further comment. The Bachelorette’s Season 22 premieres later this year, with production and promotional details to be announced by the network.