Whitney Way Thore is giving My Big Fat Fabulous Life fans a much closer look at the man who has become an important part of her life. The reality star has finally opened up about Jake Beaudoin, putting an end to much of the mystery surrounding her latest romance. Whitney has shared details about how their relationship developed and what makes this connection different from some of her previous romances.

With the couple now taking their relationship to the next level, fans are naturally curious about Jake, his background, and how he became part of Whitney’s world. Here’s everything to know about Whitney’s new boyfriend and the story behind their relationship.

MBFFL: Whitney Way Thore’s Relationship Steps Into View

MBFFL star Whitney Way Thore, 42, had kept her partner largely outside the public eye before the relationship received an official introduction. During the months leading up to that moment, Thore shared glimpses of a mystery man but did not show his face. That careful approach made the first identifiable images notable, especially because they arrived during a scenic trip in North Carolina.

Whitney Thore’s Aug. 15 Instagram post showed her and Jake Beaudoin at a scenic Blue Ridge Parkway overlook in North Carolina. One image showed them embracing, and another captured Thore kissing Beaudoin beside another couple. Thore used a black heart emoji as the caption. One commenter wrote, “Here for the hard launch!” Another said she was happy to see Thore happy and called Beaudoin lucky.

MBFFL: Whitney Way Thore Confirms Engagement to Jake Beaudoin

MBFFL star Whitney Way Thore is engaged to Jake Beaudoin, her boyfriend of several months, after he proposed during a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Thore, 42, confirmed the news exclusively to PEOPLE on Aug. 18, saying, “Jake has officially graduated from boyfriend to fiancé.” She added that they are getting married and could not be happier.

Whitney Thore said the proposal completely surprised her, making the moment more special. She described it as “truly perfect” and praised the ring as “absolutely beautiful.” Thore also said the ring carries a special story for the couple. She and Jake Beaudoin are now focused on starting their next chapter and building a future together as husband and wife following the engagement.

Jake Beaudoin is 41 and a single father from the Hickory, North Carolina, area. He is also a musician and EDM producer. Whitney Thore publicly identified him on Aug. 15, when she shared photos from a Blue Ridge Parkway overlook. The images showed Thore and Beaudoin together before the engagement announcement, giving viewers their first full look at the couple.

Whitney Thore captioned the post with a black heart, and fans celebrated her happiness. She was previously engaged to Chase Severino after his October 2019 Paris proposal, but they split in May 2020 after she learned he was expecting a child with another woman. During season 13, Thore documented sperm-donor and artificial-insemination plans amid PCOS fertility concerns.