April 22, 2026 bachelor insider
Mari Pepin Shares the Real Reason She Traveled Without Husband Kenny Braasch
Getting candid.
Bachelor Nation first met Mari Pepin on Season 25 of The Bachelor and again on Season 7 of Bachelor in Paradise, where she fell in love and got engaged to Kenny Braasch.
The two tied the knot in 2023 in Mari’s hometown of Puerto Rico and are now enjoying married life in Chicago.
This past weekend, Mari attended Coachella weekend two, and fans quickly filled her comments asking where Kenny was and if everything was okay.
In a new post, Mari addressed the questions, writing, “I love doing things together too, but sometimes a girl just needs girl time 🤭💗”
In the video, she added, “Why are you doing ______ without your husband?” and took time to share her reasons.
The Bachelor Nation star said, “Because I’m still an individual on my own path and journey. Because independence is a good thing. Because I prioritize things I want, even if no one else can go. Because being a wife isn’t my only identity. Because yes, ‘our’ life is important, but ‘my’ life isn’t any less so.”
Yes Mari! Louder for the people in the back.
Kenny joked in the comments, writing, “Wait, you went to Coachella? 😀”
Mari’s fellow Bachelor Nation stars also filled the comments with love and support.
Alayah Benavidez wrote, “That’s right queen you can live your life AND love your husband at the same time 👏👏”
Chelsea Vaughn said, “Period!!”
We love seeing Mari live her best life, both with Kenny by her side and on her own.
