If you’ve spent any time on TikTok recently, you’ve probably seen Danae Hays. She’s the Alabama native who turned her Southern roots into comedy gold, racking up millions of followers with her spot-on impressions and "refined and rowdy" energy. But lately, the comments section under her videos isn't just about her jokes. People are asking one thing: Who was Danae Hays married to?
Honestly, the answer is a huge part of her story. For three years, Danae and her wife were the "it" couple of the Southern-leaning LGBTQ+ community. They shared everything—the laughs, the tough family dynamics, and even the intimate moments of their wedding. Then, out of nowhere, it all changed.
The Viral Love Story of Danae and Mandie Kaii
Danae Hays was married to Mandie Kaii.
The two were basically a powerhouse duo in the influencer world. Mandie is a content creator herself, focusing on fashion and fitness, and for a long time, she was the steady hand next to Danae’s chaotic (and hilarious) comedy. They didn't just meet at a bar or through friends; they met the modern way—Instagram.
It was 2016 when they first started talking. Danae has been pretty open about how hard it was coming out in a small Alabama town, and Mandie was a massive part of her finding the strength to live authentically. They eventually moved to Nashville, which became the backdrop for their shared life.
The Big Day in Palm Springs
They officially tied the knot on April 3, 2021.
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It wasn’t just a quick courthouse thing. They had a stunning, intimate wedding at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs, California. The vibe was stylish, the dresses were by Demetrios, and the desert sunset was perfect. They even shared a recap video for their second anniversary that had fans absolutely swooning. For three years, they seemed like the gold standard for public relationships.
Why the Split Shocked the Internet
In September 2024, the news dropped like a lead weight. Danae confirmed that she and Mandie Kaii were splitting up.
It was a shock because Danae was literally about to start a massive 28-city standup tour. Usually, when a career is hitting its peak, you expect the support system to be right there. Instead, Danae released a statement to People thanking fans for their support and asking for privacy while she navigated a "really tough" time.
There wasn't one specific "scandal" that went public. Instead, it seemed to be the reality of two people growing in different directions under the massive pressure of a public-facing career. When your marriage is your brand, the cracks can feel a lot deeper.
Is Danae Hays Dating Someone Now?
Life doesn't stop, even after a divorce. By July 2025, things took a turn that many fans didn't see coming. Danae went public with a new relationship, and the connection is a bit of a "small world" situation.
Danae is currently dating Jenn Cooke.
If that last name sounds familiar, it's because Jenn is the sister of country music star Ashley Cooke. Danae told People that they met in Nashville—which, as anyone who lives there knows, is a tiny town despite the population. They had mutual friends and an instant spark over their shared love for creating and writing scripts.
Danae was actually pretty nervous about going public this time. She waited a few months before doing the "hard launch" on Instagram. She mentioned that after such a public breakup with Mandie, she wanted to make sure what she had with Jenn was "truly authentic" before letting the internet in on it.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Timeline
People often get confused about how long Danae and Mandie were actually married. Here's the breakdown:
- Met: 2016 via Instagram.
- Married: April 2021 in Palm Springs.
- Split: September 2024.
- Divorce finalized/Moving on: Early to mid-2025.
It’s easy to look at a three-year marriage and think it was short, but for Danae, those years represented her first real "out" relationship and her rise to stardom.
What’s Next for Danae?
Right now, Danae is leaning hard into her music and her comedy. She’s been releasing singles like "All It Takes" and "Rode Hard," which play with that early '90s country sound. She’s basically trying to bridge the gap between being a "TikToker" and being a legitimate entertainer.
She’s also being way more intentional about what she shares. While she’s public about her relationship with Jenn Cooke, you can tell she’s protecting the "sacred" parts of her life a bit more than she used to.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following Danae's journey, keep these few things in mind to stay in the loop:
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- Check her tour dates: She’s moving more toward live standup than just 60-second clips.
- Follow her music: Her Spotify is where she’s dropping her most "unfiltered" thoughts through lyrics.
- Respect the boundaries: She’s been vocal about how hard the public split was, so while she's open, she's definitely setting new rules for what she posts about her private life.
Whether you're here for the comedy characters or the real-life drama, Danae Hays is definitely proving that there's life after a very public "I do."