Michael Allio Pushes Back on Criticism: "Loving Someone New Doesn't Mean You Loved Less"

Michael Allio is pushing back after followers suggested he'd "never be over" his wife's death amidst announcing his engagement to fiancée Jadé Marie. The Bachelorette alum, who competed on Katie Thurston's season in 2021, shared on August 5 that he is engaged to Marie, a beauty influencer, after three years of dating. Allio, whose late wife Laura was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 and died nearly two years later, has long shared his grieving journey on social media.

After posting his engagement news, Allio shared a video on his Instagram thanking his followers for their support and addressing an "honest conversation" he needed to have with his fanbase. "Over the years, I was told I wasn't ready. That I'd never be 'over it.' That loving someone new meant I was leading them on because some part of me would always belong to the past," Allio wrote in his caption. "And some of those same people who sent those messages are now sending hearts and congratulations."

A Complicated Reality

Allio, who shares his son James, 9, with his late wife, explained that grief is a "complicated reality" and added that finding love again "doesn't mean you loved the person you lost any less." "A widowed person can carry what happened to them and still move forward. We can remember and rebuild," said Allio. "We can miss what was and be deeply grateful for what is. Those things are not contradictions." "Jade never asked me to erase a chapter of my life in order to write one with her. She had the courage and compassion to understand the whole book," he added. "That is love."

Allio's message resonates with many who have experienced loss and struggled with the idea of moving forward. Grief does not have a timeline, and the heart has the capacity to hold love for multiple people at once. His words serve as a reminder that honoring the past does not preclude embracing the future.

From Friendship to Forever

Allio and Marie were friends before their relationship turned romantic. After seeing his story on The Bachelorette, Marie reached out to share that she was moved by his story. The two remained in touch platonically, and about three years ago, they started dating. Eventually, the beauty creator moved from California to Akron, Ohio, to live with Allio and James.

Allio proposed to Marie on July 31 at the Seiberling Nature Realm in Akron. "Our journey has always felt as though something greater was guiding us to one another," the soon-to-be married couple exclusively told PEOPLE. "The engagement was never our destination it was the beginning of the life we've both been dreaming about." They added, "The greatest gift is knowing we get to spend the rest of our lives waking up beside our best friend, raising James together, and writing the next chapters of our story as a family."

A Message of Hope

Allio's willingness to share his journey publicly has made him a source of comfort for others navigating similar experiences. His openness about grief, love, and the possibility of new beginnings has resonated with fans and followers alike. By addressing the criticism head-on, he has not only defended his relationship but also offered a broader message about the resilience of the human heart.

As he and Marie prepare for their future together, they are also committed to keeping Laura's memory alive. Allio has spoken about the importance of involving James in conversations about his mother and ensuring that she remains a part of their family's story. This balance of honoring the past while embracing the present is at the core of his message.

Michael Allio's journey is a testament to the complexity of grief and love. His engagement to Jadé Marie marks a new chapter, but it does not erase the love he had for his late wife, Laura. As he continues to navigate life as a widowed father and a partner, he is showing others that it is possible to move forward without forgetting where you came from. His story is a powerful reminder that love is not finite; it expands and grows, even in the face of loss.