Teen Mom’s Maci Bookout remembers the exact moment her relationship with ex Ryan Edwards started to change for the better.
“I think it was two years ago when we were in LA and Ryan and I sat down with Coach B. I couldn’t tell you the last time before [then] that I had even spoken to Ryan,” Bookout, 33, exclusively told Us before the premiere of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter on Thursday, January 30. “Us basically just sitting down and committing to starting fresh, and I think that was the real [deal]. We haven’t taken a step backward since then, so that was the turning point.”
During a February 2023 episode of Teen Mom: Family Reunion, both Bookout and Edwards, 37, agreed to chat with Dr. Cheyenne Bryant and discuss how they could build a better coparenting relationship for the sake of their now 16-year-old son, Bentley.
In a tearful conversation, both parties agreed to put any past drama behind them and move forward in a positive way.
While the show proved to be beneficial for the family unit, Bookout also believes time helped heal some serious wounds.
Amanda Conner, Ryan Edwards, Bentley Edwards, Maci Bookout and Taylor McKinney. Courtesy of Maci Bookout/Instagram
“I think it’s naturally on its own time, we’ve been able to build a solid foundation,” she explained. “Everything is going really well and I kind of feel like the audience deserves to see this.”
As Bookout’s marriage to Things That Matter designer Taylor McKinney remains strong, Edwards is reaching new milestones in his own romantic relationship with Amanda Conner. The couple announced their engagement earlier this month and are expecting their first child together in the spring.
“I am excited,” Bookout shared with Us about Edwards’ next chapter. “It’s been really awesome to see him really come into himself as a man and gain his confidence and just enjoy life and enjoy the work that he’s doing. It’s been really cool.”
She also confirmed that she will “for sure” be at Edwards’ upcoming wedding.
For now, Bookout is enjoying a drama-free coparenting relationship with her ex. She’s also grateful to see her own husband build a friendship with Edwards.
Courtesy of Maci Deshane Bookout/Instagram Ryan Edwards is feeling the love from his extended family. Before news broke that his girlfriend, Amanda Conner, was expecting a baby girl, the Teen Mom: The Next Chapter star was able to share the happy milestone with his ex, Maci Bookout. “She’s been very supportive and she was excited,” […]
“Just like my relationship with Ryan, they’re doing it on their terms, on their time,” she explained. “It’s happening naturally. I think Taylor’s finally getting to see and get to know Ryan and not his addiction. I would always tell him, ‘There is a person in there. You’ve never known him.’”
Teen Mom: The Next Chapter airs on MTV Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET.
With reporting by Christina Garibaldi
