How Gypsy Rose Blanchard, Her Daughter Are Saying Goodbye to Ken Urker
Gypsy Rose Blanchard's Partner Ken Urker Had Drug Paraphernalia at Time of Death
Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her daughter Aurora are cherishing their final moments with Ken Urker.
The Life After Lockup star confirmed that she and the 21-month-old—who she shared with her late partner—had the opportunity to say their goodbyes at a recent service for Urker, who died on his 34th birthday on Oct. 1.
"We got to see him one last time for a private viewing for his family,” she told People in an interview published Oct. 6. “The day before yesterday and it was the hardest thing to do."
Blanchard added that she "will likely" attend Urker's upcoming funeral, though his family "don’t have any details."
As she put it, "But they will let me know as soon as they form up solidified plans."
For now, the 35-year-old plans to organize a fireworks-filled celebration of life for Urker in November, revealing the special meaning behind the dedication.
“I have this memory of us for a Fourth of July celebration. We had bought so many fireworks and we had the best time to shoot them off,” Blanchard recalled. “So I’d like to get fireworks and shoot them off in memory of that.”
She continued, “Ken always use to go overboard with buying the biggest in the baddest fireworks every year.”
Urker was found dead in his Louisiana home by Blanchard's half-brother Dylan Blanchard, who told authorities that the father of one had made comments about "being depressed and upset" while attending church on Sept. 30, according to a police report obtained by E! News.
Upon a preliminary search of Urker's residence, investigators discovered drug paraphernalia, including syringes and a spoon, in the bathroom "next to a brown powdery substance."
Instagram/Gypsy Rose Blanchard
While officials have not revealed Urker's formal cause of death, pending the completion of toxicology testing, authorities wrote that he died as a result of an "overdose" in their report.
Blanchard also believes her partner had overdosed, though she told People on Oct. 1, "I don’t know if it was intentional or not."
"He will forever be my soulmate and my red string, a connection that time, distance, and even death can never erase," she added. "Above all, Ken loved our daughter, Aurora. She is a beautiful reflection of his enduring spirit, and through her, a part of him will always remain with us."
Read on for a closer look at Blanchard and Urker's life together.
TikTok / Gypsy Rose Blanchard
"The One"
TikTok / Gypsy Rose Blanchard
Origin Story
The couple, who got engaged in 2018, even managed to create a festive atmosphere while Blanchard was incarcerated.
TikTok / Gypsy Rose Blanchard
What She Said
They split up in 2019 but, as Blanchard later noted, fate would come back to find them...
TikTok / Gypsy Rose Blanchard
On the Outside
While Blanchard went on to tie the knot with teacher Ryan Anderson in 2022, she filed for divorce after less than two years of marriage. She and Urker Ken reunited in the spring of 2024.
"We are together and in a wonderful place in our relationship," she told TMZ that April. "We know it is going to be a long road ahead but are excited for the future."
TikTok / Gypsy Rose Blanchard
Sunnier Days Ahead
Cloudy skies couldn't put a damper on the rekindled pair's mood.
TikTok / Gypsy Rose Blanchard
Cozying Up
Blanchard cuddled up next to Urker in this selfie snapped after their reunion.
TikTok / Gypsy Rose Blanchard
Sweet Laughter
Whatever he said had Blanchard beaming in a video about their "love story."
Gypsy Rose Blanchard/Instagram
Scenes From a Romance
Blanchard shared a collage of some of her and Urker's most adorable moments a few weeks before revealing her pregnancy with their first child together.
At the time, she noted that their baby was due in January 2025.
Instagram / Gypsy Rose Blanchard
It's a Girl
The two found out they were expecting a baby girl during a sex reveal party in August 2024.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard/Instagram
Date Night
Before they become a family of three, Blanchard and Urker dined at a table for two during a September 2024 date night.
Instagram / Gypsy Rose Blanchard
Romantic Getaway
The parents-to-be took a trip to California, including Marina Del Rey, that October.
Instagram / Gypsy Rose Blanchard
Making Memories
And while Blanchard noted on Instagram the view of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge was "incredible," she added, "the company made it unforgettable."
Instagram / Gypsy Rose Blanchard
Selfie Time
The duo sported their shades in this sunny snap.
Instagram/Gypsy Rose Blanchard
And Then There Were Three
On December 28, 2024, exactly one year after Blanchard was released from prison, she and Urker welcomed their daughter Auora.
Gypsy-Rose Blanchard/Instagram
First Birthday
Blanchard and Urker rang in their little girl's first birthday in 2025 with a Ms. Rachel-themed party.
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