March 11, 2022 • bachelor insider
Mari Pepin Announces Her Candidacy for Miss World Puerto Rico 2022 and Shares Kenny Braasch’s Support
When Bachelor Nation fans first met Mari Pepin on Season 25 of “The Bachelor,” she was just coming off her run as Miss Maryland 2019.
And not only did she win the title of Miss Maryland, but she also placed in the top 10 at the Miss USA pageant.
Since her time in the pageant world, Mari found love and got engaged to Kenny Braasch on Season 7 of “Bachelor in Paradise.”
And now, Mari just announced that her fiancé Kenny encouraged her to compete one more time and get back into the pageant world.
Mari took to Instagram to announce the news alongside a series of stunning photos. She wrote, “Purpose - Something we all strive to discover in our lifetime. I think I was lucky enough to start uncovering mine a long time ago, and today that journey continues as I officially announce my candidacy for Miss World Puerto Rico 2022!”
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The Bachelor Nation star continued, “And a huge thank you to my family, friends, fiancé, and everyone else who has been there for me from the very beginning! Giving it my all to make you, myself and Puerto Rico proud!”
And on her Instagram Stories, Mari shared more about her decision to announce her candidacy.
She revealed that she’s representing her hometown of Luquilla and that she’s “always wanted to compete in Puerto Rico and represent Puerto Rico on an international stage.”
Mari also discussed the support she’s received from Kenny, saying, “I’m giving myself that opportunity one more time before getting married and thank goodness Kenny is so supportive. He was actually the one who convinced me to say yes and told me that he really wanted me to do it. So one more go before I become a Mrs.!”
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Many of Mari’s fellow Bachelor Nation stars flooded her announcement post with support and love.
Former Bachelorette Becca Kufrin wrote, “SO proud and excited to follow this path for you, so much support coming your way babe.”
Kit Keenan wrote, “Yesssss queeeen!!!”
And fellow pageant star Alayah Benavidez chimed in, saying, “Absolutely breathtaking!!’😍 you got this baby!”
Congrats to Mari on this exciting news. We can’t wait to follow along as she represents Puerto Rico!
