Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s boyfriend, Ken Urker, has opened up about their past breakup. Their story took another turn when they rekindled their romance, as featured in the reality TV show Gypsy Rose: Life After Lock Up.

He revealed that his decision was significantly influenced by Dr. Phil's insights. Urker, who originally proposed to Gypsy Rose in October 2018, told PEOPLE, "[Dr. Phil] was one of the biggest outside, I guess, opinions that shaped the way of our relationship at the time."

After listening to Dr. Phil’s podcast and considering advice from others, Urker felt that Gypsy Rose needed "some time to build a self-identity" outside of their relationship.

 Reflecting on the situation, he explained, “I had listened to a podcast from Dr. Phil, and I had a lot of people in my ear just telling me that the best thing I can do for her is to give her some time to build a self-identity that she's never been able to build before, and even while she's in prison.”

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Gypsy Rose Life After Lock Up: A Temporary Split 

Urker and Gypsy Rose’s relationship has been filled with ups and downs. The two first connected while Gypsy was still in prison for her role in the murder of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard.

Gypsy-Rose, a decades-long victim of Munchausen by proxy, served 7 years in prison.

 After their engagement in 2018, they briefly broke up before reuniting in August 2019. However, they later separated again for several years, during which time Gypsy Rose married Ryan Anderson.

She ultimately announced her separation from Anderson just four months after her release from prison in December 2023.

 Despite their previous struggles, Urker emphasized that his past decision to step away was influenced largely by Dr. Phil's analysis.

Though the podcast wasn’t specifically about their relationship he said "I felt that, at the time, all those opinions — especially Dr. Phil’s — I felt like that was the right choice to make at the time for both of us. So we went off in separate directions, but fate allowed us to meet back up again."

Reconciliation and Parenthood 

Following their reunion, Gypsy Rose and Urker welcomed their baby daughter, Aurora, on December 28, 2024. 

Parenthood has presented new challenges for the couple, especially as Gypsy Rose adjusts to life outside of prison. Ahead of the release of Gypsy Rose: Life After Lock Up Season 2, she shared her concerns as a first-time mother.

"Honestly, just kind of taking her out in public a lot," she told PEOPLE. "We've had two or three outings so far. It's been cold lately, so we have been staying a lot indoors, but with her being so little, I'm nervous just around people."

As Gypsy Rose continues her journey of self-discovery and parenthood her show offers an intimate look at her evolving life and relationships in real time. And it also highlights the challenges she faces in adjusting to her newfound freedom.