This news is nothing short of sensational.
Joe Exotic, the infamous Tiger King, has announced that he is officially married again, tying the knot with a fellow prison inmate. “Never been more proud of someone,” Joe shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, on April 21. “Meet my husband, Jorge Flores Maldonado.”
The announcement featured a photograph of Joe, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, and Jorge, previously known as Jorge Marquez, both dressed in matching suits with white baseball caps and boutonnieres, posing before a green screen background that displayed a sunny park and a floral arch.
At 62 years old, Joe’s latest marriage comes six months after he first revealed his engagement to Jorge back in October. At the time, Joe spoke highly of his fiancé, writing, “He is so amazing and is from Mexico.” Now, Joe shared on X that the couple’s journey involves navigating the challenges of getting married while incarcerated and working on securing asylum for Jorge. Otherwise, they plan to leave the United States together once they are released. “Either way,” Joe added, “I wish I would have met him long ago.”
Despite serving a 21-year prison sentence, Joe has continued to find reasons to smile behind bars. Fans first came to know him through Netflix’s hit documentary series, Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness, which chronicled his wild life and dramatic legal troubles. Joe has consistently maintained his innocence regarding his conviction for attempting to hire someone to kill his longtime rival, Carole Baskin. Responding to a fan wishing him luck on his case following the wedding news, Joe replied, “On appeal and should win.”
Joe’s romantic history has been as colorful as his career. He was previously married to Travis Maldonado, a relationship captured in Tiger King. Tragically, Travis passed away in October 2017 from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound. In the wake of that heartbreak, Joe married Dillon Passage just a few months later, with their marriage also being featured in the Netflix series. However, Joe and Dillon’s relationship eventually ended following Joe’s incarceration. Dillon confirmed their split in a now-deleted Instagram post, writing, “To answer the main question the public wants to know, yes, Joe and I are seeking a divorce. This wasn’t an easy decision to make but Joe and I both understand that this situation isn’t fair to either of us. It’s something that neither of us were expecting but we are going to take it day by day.” Dillon, who has since become engaged to John Devarti, added, “I will continue to have Joe in my life and do my best to support him while he undergoes further legal battles to better his situation.”
Joe isn’t the only celebrity making headlines for tying the knot this year. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts married tech executive Bryonna “Bry” Burrows earlier in 2025. In his April cover story with Men’s Health, Jalen proudly stated, “You can call her my wife.”
Kristen Stewart, best known for her role in Twilight, also said “I do,” marrying screenwriter Dylan Meyer at Los Angeles’ Casita Del Campo Mexican restaurant on April 20. Their intimate ceremony captured the essence of their deep connection.
Tommy Bracco from Big Brother fame married his longtime partner Joey Macli during a beautiful ceremony in New York City on April 19, marking another heartfelt union this year.
Katie Thurston, a beloved figure from Bachelor Nation, revealed she tied the knot with comedian Jeff Arcuri. The couple hosted a touching backyard ceremony in New York just one month after Katie bravely shared her breast cancer diagnosis.
Melissa Rivers, daughter of the iconic Joan Rivers, married Los Angeles-based attorney Steve Mitchel in a March ceremony in Wyoming. Despite facing setbacks, including their home burning down in the Los Angeles wildfires, Melissa credited her friends for encouraging her to move forward with the wedding. She later described the day as “perfect.”
Actor Jonathan Majors and actress Meagan Good confirmed they married on March 19 after nearly two years of dating. Appearing on Sherri, Jonathan shared, “We finally got to do it, but it was always the plan.”
Justin Theroux, known for his role in The Leftovers, married The Gilded Age actress Nicole Brydon Bloom in a beautiful ceremony in Tulum, Mexico, on March 15.
Reality star Gabby Windey and comedian Robby Hoffman shared that they had a private Las Vegas wedding earlier this year. Gabby, speaking with Cosmopolitan, described the ceremony as unexpectedly perfect and deeply personal.
Actress Justine Lupe and actor Tyson Mason also tied the knot in a Los Angeles courthouse ceremony on February 18, accompanied by their baby daughter Ellis and their beloved dog Lil.
At the 2025 Grammy Awards, St. Vincent, also known as Annie Clark, accepted her award for Best Rock Song and surprised the audience by announcing she had recently married, giving thanks to her “beautiful wife Leah” and their “beautiful daughter.”
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel actor Michael Zegen and Broadway star Jennifer Damiano were married in January, marking a wonderful start to the year. Their celebration was confirmed by theater publicist Chelsea Nachman.
Olympic swimmer Stephanie Rice married pastor Mark Lassey in a heartfelt ceremony in Perth, Australia, on January 10. Stephanie described the day as one where “heaven touched earth,” filled with love and joy.
Former School of Rock costars Angelo Massagli and Caitlin Hale, who reconnected as adults, also tied the knot on January 4 with many of their original castmates in attendance.
Finally, Briana Cuoco, sister of Big Bang Theory star Kaley Cuoco, married Brian Logan Dales in a festive New Year’s Eve ceremony at the Cathedral of St. Vibiana in Los Angeles. Kaley not only officiated the ceremony but also celebrated the special day with her daughter Matilda, who served as the flower girl.
From prison vows to Hollywood weddings, 2025 is shaping up to be a memorable year for love stories of all kinds.
