What We Know About Holly Madison's Split From Zak Bagans
Holly Madison and Zak Bagans called it quits after almost two years of dating, according to a TMZ report in February 2021. The former The Girls Next Door reality TV personality and the Ghost Adventures star have officially broken up after they started dating following the former's visit to Bagans' Haunted Museum in Las Vegas in May 2019.
E! News confirmed their romance in June 2019, around four months after Madison finalized her divorce from businessman Pasquale Rotella after about six years of marriage. Madison and Bagans' relationship became public knowledge once fans noticed they began to share similar content on their Instagram Stories.
A source claimed at the time that "the two of them have been enjoying getting to know each other" and they were "having fun," but weren't "looking to rush into anything serious," though that eventually changed.
So, what's the truth about Madison and Bagans' split? Keep reading to find out more.
Holly Madison and Zak Bagans are still on good terms
Despite going their separate ways, it's reported that there's no bad blood between Holly Madison and Zak Bagans. A source claimed to TMZ in February 2021 that the former couple "remain friends and are still on talking terms."
TMZ reported that sparks first began to fly between the two in May 2019, but claimed they'd met at least once before, suggesting they may have been friends prior to their romantic relationship as neither was single during their first meeting. It's thought the two may also have bonded over a shared interest, as Bridget Marquardt — Madison's friend and former Girls Next Door co-star — is also a paranormal investigator.
Madison appeared to embrace her now former boyfriend's passion. In her Instagram bio she lists herself as a "Future ghost," which, as reported by Distractify, some fans believed before their split may have been a nod to Bagans' profession. The reference remains on her profile as of Feb. 25, 2021.
Who did Holly Madison date before Zac Bagans?
Though Zac Bagans' dating history is a little more private, Holly Madison has enjoyed some high-profile romances. She previously dated the late Playboy mogul Hugh Hefner for seven years between 2001 and 2008 with their romance documented on the E! series The Girls Next Door. Madison hinted to E! News in 2010 that she was dating Good Charlotte singer Benji Madden. She married Pasquale Rotella — who she shares two children with — at Disneyland in 2013, but they announced their split in September 2018.
Rotella confirmed their breakup on Instagram with a family photo that appears to have been deleted. "It is with love in our hearts and a deep respect for one another that Holly and I have amicably made the decision to separate," he wrote in the caption, per People. "First and foremost, we are forever partners and parents to two beautiful children, and are fully committed to raising them in an environment filled with love and positivity." Rotella also described Madison as a "beautiful soul."