Who Is Katie Thurston? Facts About ‘The Bachelorette’ Star – Hollywood Life

Katie Thurston: 5 Things To Know About ‘The Bachelorette’ Star

Ahead of 'The Bachelorette' premiere, get to know about season 17's star, Katie Thurston.

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Katie Thurston’s journey as the Bachelorette officially begins on June 7. Katie was introduced to Bachelor nation during season 25 of The Bachelor earlier this year, but she was dumped by Matt James. During After the Final Rose in March, it was announced that she would be the new lead for season 17 of The Bachelorette. In an unexpected twist, the after-show’s host, Emmanuel Acho, also revealed that there will be a second Bachelorette season in 2021, with Michelle Young at the helm.

Katie and Michelle walked out together on After the Final Rose and revealed that they will BOTH be the Bachelorettes! They will have two separate seasons, with Katie’s season up first. “I’m ready to find love,” Katie said. “I’m talking forever, my husband, and I’m at a place in my life where I’m the best version of myself.”

katie thurston
Katie Thurston promoting ‘The Bachelorette.’ (ABC)

Why Did Katie Thurston Go Viral On TikTok?

Even before her Bachelor days, Katie was already a social media sensation thanks to a TikTok video that went viral. In May 2020, Katie posted a video of herself sharing a story about when she “s*** [herself] at work.” She went into pretty extensive detail about the situation, which involved drinking an iced coffee at 3:00 in the afternoon. We’ll let you watch the explanation for yourselves (below)!

@thekatiethurston

Story Time! Releasing all parts today! #poop I Shit Myself pt.1

♬ original sound – Katie Thurston

What Does Katie Thurston Do For A Living?

Katie may be super candid when it comes to sharing her personal life online, but she also has a steady job. She works as a Bank Marketing Manager in Washington state. In a partner, Katie is looking for someone who is equally as ambitious as she is. “Katie is looking for a mature man who has ambitions to succeed in everything he does, both personally and professionally,” her ABC bio reads. “Nothing turns her off more than someone who sits around playing video games all day.”

Katie Thurston’s Dad Died In 2012

Although Katie did not open up to Matt about her father’s passing on The Bachelor, she did talk to another contestant, Sarah Trott, about losing her father on the Jan. 18 episode of the show. Sarah explained that her father was currently suffering from ALS, and admitted it was hard for her to be away from home while filming the show. Katie revealed that she could, sadly, relate all too well to Sarah’s pain.

“I 100 percent encourage you to be with him,” Katie urged. “I understand that more than I would like to. I missed out on my goodbye to my dad. I would never want that for you.” Katie didn’t share any details beyond that, but was clearly touched by hearing Sarah’s heartbreaking story.

Does Katie Thurston Have Social Media?

katie thurston
Katie Thurston promoting ‘The Bachelorette.’ (ABC)

In 2020, Katie “randomly gained a large audience on TikTok,” according to her Instagram bio from earlier this year. Her TikTok username is @ventwithkatie. Fans can also follow her on Instagram, where she already has more than 100,000 followers, at the handle @thekatiethurston. Her Twitter is @atiethurston

How Old Is Katie Thurston?

Katie’s Bachelor bio confirmed she was 29 when she filmed the show during the fall of 2020. However, she turned 30 on Jan. 3, according to a Jan. 2 post on her Instagram page. “Today marks the last day of my twenties,” Katie wrote. “Life really does pass by quickly. If I died tomorrow, I wouldn’t be happy with what I accomplished. I followed the ‘rules’ of life. Get a career. Save the money .Start that 401k. Buy the house. And for what? An entire decade to pass without feeling fulfilled? This past year, I finally unapologetically loved who I am. I lost people along the way, and that’s ok. We aren’t meant to please everyone. What I do know is life is too short to feel unfulfilled.”