DeAnna Pappas, known for her time on The Bachelorette, is making a big change in her life. She’s decided to live without alcohol, and it sounds like it’s been a game-changer for the 43-year-old reality star. Pappas shared her journey with a prominent news channel, Us Weekly, during the launch of her new iHeartRadio podcast.
"It’s been the best decision I could have made," Pappas told the outlet. She explained how much better she feels now. Her sleep has improved greatly, and she’s found more clarity about herself. She also feels more connected to herself and what she calls her "higher power."
This decision by Pappas came to light during a tough time. While she has stated she didn’t have a drinking problem, a custody battle with her ex-husband, Stephen Stagliano, in early June, revealed she had been sober for over 60 days. In an honest chat with Us Weekly, Pappas opened up about why she chose this alcohol-free path.
She explained that she’d faced a lot of sadness in her life. "I’ve dealt with a lot of loss in my life," she shared. "I had to grieve on every level." This included the end of her marriage and the loss of her ex-husband’s family. During these painful times, she admitted, "I chose to drink." She poignantly called alcohol her "affair" and a "burden to carry."
DeAnna Pappas Wes and Alex for iHeartPodcasts
Pappas decided it was time to move on from alcohol because it wasn’t good for her. She took a hard look at her life and realized it wasn’t going in the direction she wanted. If quitting drinking was the one thing she could change, she was ready to do it. Her separation from Stagliano in January 2023, after 11 years of marriage, was a major turning point. They share two children, and their public custody dispute finally ended in June.
Giving up alcohol has brought positive changes for both Pappas and her children. She explained, "I’m very present every single day with my kids." She now attends events without needing alcohol to feel like she fits in. She believes she always belonged, but used alcohol as an unhealthy way to cope. Now, she doesn’t want to do that anymore. Pappas hopes her story can help others. She feels she has a "serving heart" and would be very happy if her experience helps even one person choose to make a change in their own life.
On Wednesday, August 27, Pappas helped kick off the new iHeartRadio podcast called "Famously Available." Each week, host Ben Higgins will talk with single women like Pappas. They will explore finding themselves and navigating the ups and downs of modern dating. Bachelor in Paradise star Mercedes Northup and some beloved "Goldens" from the ABC franchise will also appear on the podcast.
DeAnna Pappas and Ben Higgins Amy Plumb Photography
Pappas holds onto hope for her own romantic future. She told Us Weekly, "I do believe there is someone out there for me." She truly thinks someone will love and accept her, "the good, the bad, and everything in between."
One person from the Bachelor Nation who already gives her that love and acceptance is Trista Sutter. Even though they first met years ago as stars of ABC’s The Bachelorette, Pappas shared that her friendship with Sutter, now 52, has grown even stronger in recent months.
"I just adore her," Pappas expressed to Us Weekly. She described Sutter as someone with "a heart of gold" who genuinely cares for others. "She’s a one-of-a-kind gem, and I’m just so thankful that she’s my friend."