The Bachelorette star Kaitlyn Bristowe is reportedly not taking her split from fiance Shawn Booth well.
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"She's devastated," a source told People. "There is a lot of hurt. Kaitlyn tried to make it work. She never thought this would end."
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Kaitlyn and Shawn, who got engaged at the conclusion of The Bachelorette's eleventh season in 2015, announced one week ago they had broken up after nearly three years together.
While there were a few signs of trouble in paradise, the couple appeared very much in love and so their split came as a surprise to many fans.
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"This was the last thing Kaitlyn wanted," the source said, adding that Kaitlyn and Shawn actually called it quits on their romance several weeks ago. "She was willing to fight for the relationship, but there was nowhere for it to go."
The breakup, however, was reportedly mutual.
"It wasn't one of them who broke things off," the source explained. "[They are] on good terms."
Kaitlyn, 33, and Shawn, 31, had been living together in Nashville, TN, but their marriage plans remained stagnant. Kaitlyn insisted for months their relationship was fine and they simply enjoyed dating each other and not rushing things.
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"It's only natural to think about the next steps when you've been together for three years," the source told People. "Kaitlyn wants to be married and have kids. But it didn't seem like they were on the same page."
It was also clear the couple's busy schedules drove and kept them apart for long periods of time.
Shawn currently owns and operates a gym in Nashville, while Kaitlyn hosts a podcast and launched a scrunchie line. She's also reportedly working on a music career and wine label.
In a statement released to People on Friday, Kaitlyn and Shawn revealed they had arrived at the decision to go their separate ways "after thoughtful, respectful consideration."
"Even though we are parting as a couple, we're very much committed to remaining friends and we will continue to support each other," the pair said.
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"Due to the nature of how we met, our relationship has always been very public, and we have enjoyed sharing it with all of you, but we ask that you respect our decision and our privacy at this time."
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Rumors sparked The Bachelorette couple had called it quits on their engagement this past summer after fans noticed Kaitlyn wasn't wearing her engagement ring and had been staying with her family in Canada for several weeks.
However, Kaitlyn subsequently denied the rumors on her Off the Vine podcast by insisting the pair were still an item and doing just fine.
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About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski