Sharleen Joynt once competed for former Bachelor Juan Pablo’s heart, but that’s a distant memory now. The opera singer, who was a bit mysterious on the Bachelor 2014, is now engaged. She spread the good news on Instagram Sunday, posting a photo with her fiancé, Andy Levine, all while flashing a simply gorgeous diamond ring.
It wasn’t long before her friends from Bachelor Season 18 congratulated Sharleen on her engagement. Renée Oteri, who finished in fourth place on Juan Pablo’s season, was extremely excited when she heard the news. She told WetPaint that Sharleen is “quite the catch ” and that she’s “seriously SO excited” for her friend. Oteri is now happily re-married and gave birth to her second son with her new husband, Bracy, in late January.
“He’s no dummy! He snagged quite the catch. I’m seriously SO excited for Sharleen. It’s crazy to see how many lives have changed so drastically since our season. I couldn’t be happier for Sharleen and her fiancé!”
Another co-star from Joynt’s Bachelor days, Cassandra Ferguson, also had kind words to say about Sharleen, telling WetPaint , “I am so happy for Sharleen! She is such an intelligent, warm, and beautiful woman. He’s a lucky, lucky guy!”
Sharleen made it clear how thankful she is to find the love of her life by posting a beautiful message on Instagram.
“I’ve always been a skeptic when it came to love. I’ve often wondered if there was a better fit for me out there. I’ve doubted my choices and focused on the imperfections. I’ve rarely been certain. But, I’ve never been more sure of anything in this world than I am of this love. Thank you, @machinelevine, for making me a believer. I love you.”
Fans of the Bachelor will probably remember the often awkward on-screen romance she had with Juan Pablo Galavis. She seemed to be attracted to him, yet didn’t let herself get too close. It was obvious that she didn’t see a long and lasting relationship with Galavis, so she ditched him on the seventh episode of what many fans have said was the worst season in Bachelor history. Or, at the very least, the worst Bachelor .
Back in February, 2014, viewers watched Sharleen say goodbye to Juan Pablo after telling some of her co-stars that she was leaving. US Weekly recapped the uncomfortable moments that lead up to her departure.
“After a lot of soul-searching, she gathers the remaining ladies in the living room to tell them she’s leaving — just as soon as she breaks the news to Juan Pablo. Once in his room, she literally whispers her goodbye speech… ‘I just don’t know if I can get to the place that I’m supposed to be at in three weeks’ time… I don’t want to take the spot of someone else who, like, knows that they’re at that place and can be at that place for you.’”
There has been some chatter online from fans who are hoping ABC picks Sharleen as the next Bachelorette , but that’s no longer an option. It appears that she has found love without having to go on television.
[Images: Sharleen Joynt Instagram, @BachelorABC Twitter]