CHRIS Harrison isn’t ready to retire and is making new career plans as he enjoys some downtime with his family.
The former host of The Bachelor, who exited the franchise earlier this year, is living a low-key lifestyle in Texas as he plans his next move, according to a source close to the star.
The insider told UsWeekly of the 50-year-old star: “Chris Harrison is truly doing great. He’s really enjoying this time with his kids and growing his relationship with Lauren [Zima].
“He lives a low-key life in Texas when he’s not taking trips or going on vacation.
SOAKING IN THE MOMENTS
“He’s soaking in these moments of not working and taking time for himself and his family,” the source added.
“He celebrated his 50th birthday last month and recently celebrated his anniversary with Lauren. He sees this time as almost a new chapter of his life and is figuring out what’s going to be his next best move.”
Chris is dad to Joshua, 19, and Taylor, 17, with ex-wife Gwen Harrison who he split from in 2012. He has been dating Lauren since 2018.
While he’s enjoying some downtime with his family, the insider added that Chris isn’t done yet.
“He’s for sure going to make a comeback in the near future and will announce his return to TV once everything is set in stone,” the source said.
“He’s not ready to retire just yet.” they added.
Chris stepped down from hosting The Bachelor franchise in February after he got backlash for defending contestant Rachel Kirkconnell’s past racially insensitive actions. Several months later he left the franchise completely after agreeing on a huge settlement figure with ABC.
So far, he hasn’t been replaced, but former Bachelorettes Tayshia Adams an Kaitlyn Bristol have been hosting the most recent Bachelorette season with Katie Thurston.
LOVE FOR BACHELOR NATION
Despite everything that has happened, the source said that Chris doesn’t hold any grudges or bitterness about the situation.
“He still keeps in touch with some crew and former Bachelor and Bachelorette cast members,” the insider said. “Everyone who was close to him on the show really misses him and wishes he was still part of the show.”
They also revealed that while Chris no longer watches the shows, he still keeps up to date and reads all the social media messages of support.
“Although he’s not the host anymore, he still loves Bachelor Nation and isn’t one to hold any grudges, especially [with] the fans, after what went down. He really misses them. He isn’t watching Paradise, but he comes across headlines and gets tagged and tweeted at on social media.”
