What Happened to Carly Waddell?
Carly Waddell is an American reality television personality and singer-songwriter, best known for her appearances on 'The Bachelor' and 'Bachelor in Paradise'. After a highly publicized marriage and subsequent divorce from Evan Bass, with whom she shares two children, Waddell has focused on co-parenting, her music career, and recently ended an engagement to Todd Allen Tressler in late 2025. As of mid-2026, she is prioritizing her children and personal growth, including achieving a significant personal financial milestone.
Quick Answer
Carly Waddell, known from 'The Bachelor' franchise, is currently focusing on co-parenting her two children, Isabella and Charles, with ex-husband Evan Bass. After her divorce in late 2020, she pursued her music career, releasing an EP and several singles. She was engaged to Todd Allen Tressler in late 2024, but the engagement ended in late 2025. As of August 2026, Waddell is not actively dating and recently celebrated a personal achievement of being pre-approved for a substantial home loan on her own.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Appears on 'The Bachelor' Season 19
Carly Waddell made her debut on reality television as a contestant on Chris Soules' season of 'The Bachelor', where she was eliminated in week 7.
Appears on 'Bachelor in Paradise' Season 2
Waddell returned to the Bachelor franchise for 'Bachelor in Paradise' Season 2, where she formed a connection with Kirk DeWindt, but their relationship ended dramatically.
Finds Love on 'Bachelor in Paradise' Season 3
Carly Waddell returned for 'Bachelor in Paradise' Season 3, where she met and fell in love with Evan Bass, leading to their engagement on the show.
Marries Evan Bass
Carly Waddell and Evan Bass tied the knot in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, in a ceremony officiated by Chris Harrison, which aired during 'Bachelor in Paradise' Season 4.
Welcomes First Child, Isabella Evelyn
Carly and Evan welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Isabella Evelyn Bass.
Welcomes Second Child, Charles Wolfe
The couple's second child, a son named Charles Wolfe Bass, was born.
Announces Separation and Divorce from Evan Bass
Carly and Evan publicly announced their decision to separate and pursue a divorce, which Waddell later revealed was initiated by Bass the day after Thanksgiving.
Releases Debut Single 'Your Friends Like Me More'
Waddell officially launched her return to music with the release of her country-pop single 'Your Friends Like Me More,' the first from her debut EP.
Goes Public with Relationship with Todd Allen Tressler
Carly Waddell made her relationship with attorney Todd Allen Tressler public on social media, after quietly dating since 2023.
Announces Engagement to Todd Allen Tressler
Waddell revealed that she and Todd Allen Tressler were engaged, sharing that she had initially proposed to him the previous Halloween, and he later proposed back.
Ends Engagement to Todd Allen Tressler
Carly Waddell announced via Instagram that she and Todd Allen Tressler had ended their engagement, describing it as a difficult but peaceful decision.
Confirms Single Status and Focus on Kids
In an Instagram Q&A, Carly Waddell stated she was not currently dating and was focused on herself and her children, dispelling rumors of rekindling with Evan Bass.
Celebrates Home Loan Pre-Approval
Waddell shared a personal victory on Instagram, announcing she was pre-approved for a substantial home loan by herself, a moment she framed as a triumph over past doubts from an ex.
Shares 'Solo Day Date' Update
Carly Waddell posted on Facebook about enjoying a 'solo day date' exploring a new antique store in Spring Hill, Tennessee, reflecting her current focus on personal activities.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Carly Waddell first gained public recognition through her appearances on ABC's 'The Bachelor' (Season 19) and 'Bachelor in Paradise' (Seasons 2 and 3). Her journey on 'Bachelor in Paradise' Season 3 led to a relationship with Evan Bass, culminating in their engagement and a televised wedding in 2017. The couple welcomed two children, daughter Isabella Evelyn in 2018 and son Charles Wolfe in 2019.
However, their marriage faced challenges, and in December 2020, Waddell and Bass announced their difficult decision to separate, with the divorce finalized in 2021. Waddell later revealed that Bass initiated the split the day after Thanksgiving in 2020, and that they had focused more on their children than their relationship, which she cited as a downfall. Despite the separation, they have maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship for their children.
Following her divorce, Waddell reignited her passion for music, a career she had pursued as a cruise ship singer before reality television. In 2023, she released her debut EP, featuring singles like 'Your Friends Like Me More,' 'Two Little Angels,' and 'Just Work,' showcasing her country-pop style. She also co-hosts the 'Mommies Tell All' podcast with fellow Bachelor Nation alum Jade Roper, discussing motherhood and relationships.
In 2023, Waddell began a relationship with attorney Todd Allen Tressler, making their relationship public in March 2024. Their relationship progressed quickly, with Waddell revealing in October 2024 that she had proposed to Tressler the previous Halloween, and he subsequently proposed to her. They discussed wedding plans and expanding their family. However, by late 2025, Waddell announced the termination of their engagement, citing it as a difficult but peaceful decision.
As of August 2026, Carly Waddell is single and focused on her children and personal well-being. She has been active on social media, sharing updates about her life, including a significant personal achievement in June 2026: being pre-approved for a substantial home loan on her own, a moment she shared as a clap-back to an ex who doubted her financial independence. She continues to engage with her audience online, sharing aspects of her daily life, travels, and family activities.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Carly Waddell made different choices?