Gypsy Rose Blanchard, known for 'Mommy Dead and Dearest,' Marries Pen Pal Ryan Anderson

In a surprising turn of events, Gypsy Rose Blanchard, whose life story gained notoriety through the documentary "Mommy Dead and Dearest," has found love and tied the knot with pen pal Ryan Anderson. The couple's unique love story has captured the attention of many, shedding light on their journey from correspondence to marriage.
 
 Ryan Anderson, a 37-year-old special education teacher from Louisiana, first connected with Gypsy while she was serving time in prison for conspiring to murder her abusive mother, Clauddine "Dee Dee" Blanchard. Anderson revealed during an exclusive interview with PEOPLE that their initial contact was part of a conversation with a hospital co-worker who had taken an interest in writing to Joseph Allen Maldonado, famously known as "Joe Exotic" from the Netflix hit show "Tiger King."
 
 Reflecting on that time, Anderson said, "Tiger King was really popular at the time. I said, 'I'll tell you what, if you write him, I'll write Gypsy Rose Blanchard. I never thought she'd be my wife."
 
 While Anderson had watched "Mommy Dead and Dearest," a documentary about Gypsy's ordeal, he made sure to also watch "The Act," a Hulu series from 2019 based on Gypsy's life, referencing its ending in his letter to her. Anderson poured his heart out in the letter, sharing personal details about himself.
 
 "I remember telling her what her story meant to me, and on the second page, I just let her have it," Anderson stated. Gypsy later explained that one reason she chose to respond was because Anderson hailed from Louisiana, her original home state, adding a touch of familiarity.
 
 Their correspondence began in May 2020 through exchanged emails, eventually leading to their first meeting in June 2021. Just over a year later, on July 21, 2022, the couple exchanged vows in a small prison ceremony at the Chillicothe Correctional Center in Missouri, where Gypsy had spent more than eight years.
 
 Gypsy Rose Blanchard had previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in 2016 for her involvement in the conspiracy to kill her mother, while her then-boyfriend, Nicholas "Nick" Godejohn, carried out the killing. Godejohn was found guilty of first-degree murder and armed criminal action, receiving a life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole, along with an additional 25 years.
 
 Now, as they navigate married life after Gypsy's release from prison on December 28, 2023, the couple is adjusting to newfound public attention. Anderson shared their approach, saying, "Now it’s kind of like, ‘Oh, you’re in the public eye now — go out there and experience it.’" Despite the challenges of the spotlight, their deep love for each other is evident.
 
 Gypsy expressed her feelings for Anderson, stating, "We’re in love." The couple is looking forward to a second wedding ceremony where friends and family can attend, allowing them to celebrate their love surrounded by their loved ones.
 
 As the couple continues their journey together, their story serves as a reminder that love can be found in unexpected places, even amidst challenging circumstances and personal hardships.
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