Chantel Everett is a name that basically defines the modern era of reality TV. From the second she lied to her parents about Pedro Jimeno’s visa status back in Season 4 of 90 Day Fiancé, we knew we were in for a ride. But honestly? Nobody predicted the sheer level of chaos that would follow over the next decade.
Fast forward to 2026. The dust has finally settled on one of the messiest divorces in TLC history, and Chantel is living a life that looks nothing like those early days in Atlanta. If you’ve only been keeping up with the occasional Instagram scroll, you’ve missed a massive pivot.
She isn't just "Pedro’s ex" anymore. She’s an engaged woman, a specialist in a high-stakes medical field, and someone who recently made a pretty bold decision about her own body that has the internet buzzing.
The Divorce That Changed Everything
We have to talk about the breakup because it’s the foundation of who Chantel is now. When Pedro filed for divorce in May 2022, it felt like a betrayal to fans who had watched them fight for six years. The allegations were wild. Pedro claimed Chantel swiped $257,000 from their joint business account. Chantel fired back with accusations of "adultery" and "cruel treatment."
It was ugly. Really ugly.
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For a long time, the narrative was that Pedro used her for a green card. He denies it to this day, pointing out he stayed for seven years—well past the time he needed to secure his status. Whatever the truth is, the fallout was the end of The Family Chantel. That final season was painful to watch. Seeing Chantel break down in tears while her family circled the wagons was a lot, even for people who love the drama.
But the 2024-2025 era was her "healing girl" phase. She went to Greece. She did 90 Day: The Single Life. She even humored those rumors about Drake sliding into her DMs. But while everyone was looking for a new "Pedro," Chantel was actually looking for herself.
Chantel Everett’s Unexpected Engagement in 2026
If you haven't heard the news yet, sit down. Chantel Everett is officially engaged. And no, it’s not to a professional soccer player from Greece or a famous rapper. On December 17, 2025, Chantel’s girlfriend, music artist Ashley Bowen, popped the question at Uhuburg, a literal Renaissance castle in Helen, Georgia.
This wasn't just a random update; it was a massive moment for Chantel, who officially came out regarding her sexuality during the 2025 series 90 Day: Hunt for Love. She admitted that while she had never really pictured herself dating a woman before, her connection with Ashley felt "written in the stars."
- The Proposal: Ashley dropped to one knee during what Chantel thought was a standard photo shoot.
- The Song: Ashley actually wrote an original track called "Duet for Juliet" for the moment.
- The Vibe: The couple told People magazine that their love is "romantic, authentic, and raw."
It’s a complete 180 from the toxic, high-tension energy we saw with Pedro. Chantel has mentioned in recent interviews that she finally feels "safe" in a relationship. No more private investigators (thanks, Karen), no more voodoo dolls from in-laws, and no more constant questioning of motives.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her Career
There’s this weird misconception that Chantel is "just" an influencer. It’s a bit insulting when you look at the hours she put in. Remember the seasons of The Family Chantel where she was stressed out of her mind about nursing school?
She didn't just do that for a storyline.
She graduated in 2020 and spent time as a pediatric nurse. But as of 2026, she has pivoted into a niche that fits her lifestyle much better. Chantel is now a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) specializing in medical aesthetics at SS Beauty Bar in Atlanta.
She’s basically a pro at Botox, fillers, and laser treatments. It’s a smart move. She gets to use her medical degree, stay in the beauty world she loves, and likely pull in a much higher salary than a standard floor nurse. Experts in the field, like Dr. Aisha Baron, have even collaborated with her.
The 2026 Health Update: Why She Got Surgery
Earlier this month, in January 2026, Chantel made headlines for a different kind of reveal. She underwent a breast reduction surgery.
For years, fans speculated about whether she had implants. She always denied it, insisting she was naturally curvy. In her recent update, she explained that the surgery was about "comfort and health." Carrying that much weight was causing physical pain, and she’s been very open about the healing process on her social media.
It’s a level of transparency we didn't always get from her in the early days. She’s showing the bandages, the swelling, and the reality of the recovery. It feels like she's finally stopped trying to be the "perfect" doll her parents wanted and is just being CeAir (her real name, by the way).
What We Can Learn From The "New" Chantel
Chantel’s journey is basically a masterclass in rebranding your life after a public disaster. She didn't let the "scammed wife" label stick. She didn't let the cancellation of her spinoff stop her.
If you're looking for the actionable takeaway from the 10-year saga of Chantel Everett, it's this:
- Protect your peace (and your coins): The legal battle over that $257k taught everyone a lesson about joint accounts. If you're in a high-conflict relationship, financial independence isn't optional.
- It’s okay to pivot: Whether it's your career (pediatrics to aesthetics) or your personal identity, you aren't stuck with the version of yourself that people met five years ago.
- Family boundaries matter: Karen and Thomas are still in the picture, but Chantel seems to be keeping her new relationship a bit more shielded from the "Family Chantel" interrogation chair.
She’s currently living in Atlanta, working her nursing shifts, and planning a wedding that—fingers crossed—doesn't involve a fight over a chicken foot.
To keep up with her latest aesthetic work or wedding planning, your best bet is following her official Instagram. She’s way more active there than she is on the TLC screens these days, and honestly, she seems a lot happier for it.