Bachelor Nation got to know Michael Allio on Season 17 of “The Bachelorette” and again on Season 8 of “Bachelor in Paradise.”
During his time on the Bachelor Nation shows, Michael was open about being a father and his experience as a single dad since his wife Laura passed away a number of years ago.
Recently, the Bachelor Nation star hard-launched his relationship with girlfriend Jade Marie online and has been keeping fans updated about their time together ever since.
Michael has been very open about grieving his late wife while navigating a new relationship, and last week, he shared a short reflection on his life since Laura’s passing.
In retelling a story he told Laura, he said, “I shared something I’d read about Angelfish — that they mate for life, and when one dies, the other often follows, as though they can’t bear to live without their partner. She smiled, her eyes lighting up at the thought, and said, ‘That’s beautiful.’”
Michael continued, “Years later I’d learn that Angelfish don’t actually die from heartbreak, but instead exhibit confusion with their partner no longer there. That was over a decade ago. Now, six years since Laura passed, I know firsthand how heartbreak can feel like a kind of death.”
Upon reflecting on that story, Michael shared what he’s learned about grief and how his life has changed over the years.
“I’ve learned that grief is not about letting go; it’s about holding on in a different way,” he said. “It’s about speaking their name, sharing their stories, and letting them live on through you… Lean on the people who love you. Keep telling their story. Live — not just for yourself, but for them. Because love, like the Angelfish, never truly dies.”
Michael captioned his touching post with a note of gratitude for his loved ones who have supported him over the years.
He expressed, “It’s been six years since Laura passed. Never stop saying their name. Thank you to all of those people that helped get me here. I know it hasn’t been easy but I couldn’t have done it without you.”
We appreciate Michael’s vulnerability and know that his continuing to share his story will help so many others.
