‘The Golden Bachelorette’ Alum, Jonathan Rone Says His New Girlfriend Was Shocked He Didn’t Live in California

Jonathan Rone poses for promotional photos for 'The Golden Bachelorette'

Thanks, I Hate It

Jonathan Rone recently opened up about his relationship, joking that his new girlfriend was shocked he didn’t call California home. He lives in a very different Oakland.

Jonathan Rone is in love. While he didn’t find love on The Golden Bachelorette, the show eventually led him to find a woman who he thinks is perfect for him. Rone revealed his relationship news as The Golden Bachelorette wrapped up with Joan Vassos finding love with Chock Chapple. While things are going well between Jonathan Rone and his girlfriend, Michelle Zimmermann, he recently revealed the romance started with a bit of a location mixup.

Jonathan Rone’s girlfriend initially thought he was from California

In a chat with the Des Moines Register, Rone revealed that his initial conversations with his now-girlfriend, Michelle Zimmermann, led to a mixup. Rone repeatedly stated that he was from Oakland while he appeared on The Golden Bachelorette. According to Rone, Zimmermann assumed he was from a much more famous Oakland than the one he calls home. Rone told the outlet that his California-based love assumed he was from Oakland, California, not Oakland, Iowa.

Aerial view of Oakland Skyline, California
Aerial view of Oakland Skyline, California | Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

While Rone has kept much of Zimmermann’s personal information private, a LinkedIn profile that appears to be associated with Zimmermann suggests she currently lives in the Bay Area. That could explain why she assumed Rone was living in Oakland, California. Oakland is part of the San Francisco Bay Area. Despite the initial confusion, the couple has figured out ways to make their relationship work despite the distance.

Jonathan Rone’s girlfriend has ties to Iowa

While there was initially some confusion between Rone and his new lady, it all worked out. In fact, in an interesting twist of fate, Zimmerman, a California resident, was familiar with Rone’s home state. She is originally from Iowa, too. According to Rone, Zimmermann was born in Des Moines. While the state capital is much larger than Rone’s hometown of Oakland, the two locations are pretty close. Oakland is just 100 miles away from Des Moines.

Des Moines, Iowa skyline
The Des Moines, Iowa skyline in 2020 | Joe Raedle/Getty Images

While Zimmermann no longer lives in the state, the pair have made it work, even with the distance. Rone told the Des Moines Register that he and Zimmermann still managed to spend a good deal of time together and are even planning for the holidays. While he didn’t reveal if he’ll be traveling to see Zimmermann or if she’ll be spending time with him in Iowa, they do have plans for Thanksgiving together.

How did the couple initially meet?

Jonathan Rone might not have found his perfect match on national TV, but the show led to him connecting with his current girlfriend in a roundabout way. Rone revealed that he connected with his now-girlfriend via social media after he filmed The Golden Bachelorette. He didn’t delve too deeply into when they hooked up. He didn’t mention if he sought out Zimmermann or if she slid into his DMs.

Jonathan Rone appears on 'The Golden Bachelorette: The Men Tell All'
Jonathan Rone | Disney/Christopher Willard

Zimmermann had a public Instagram account until shortly after Rone revealed the relationship on the platform. She has now gone private, suggesting that while she’s OK with Rone sharing his relationship status, she’s not interested in having strangers dive too deeply into her personal life. She does have children and appears to enjoy the outdoors, from what little we know.

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