Gypsy Rose Blanchard reflects on 'complicated' significance of her first birthday after prison release
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Gypsy Rose Blanchard experienced a unique birthday in 2024, celebrating her first as a free woman after serving eight years in prison for her role in the murder of her mother, Clauddine "Dee Dee" Blanchard.
During an appearance on 'The Viall Files' podcast on October 16, Blanchard opened up about the emotional experience of celebrating her 33rd birthday on July 27, just a few months after her release.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard reflects on meaning of birthdays after gaining freedom
When podcast host Nick Viall asked Gypsy Rose Blanchard about her favorite holiday since gaining her freedom, she quickly responded, "My birthday, actually. I know it's not a holiday, but in the past birthdays for me have been complicated."
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Reflecting on her years in prison, Blanchard shared that her birthdays had been a somber affair, saying, "In prison the last eight and a half years, my birthdays have been nothing more than my roommates making me a paper card."
Blanchard, a victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy inflicted by her mother, explained that birthdays took on greater significance after she discovered her true age, as per People.
"Once I was told my real age, I was able to start celebrating and getting older," she said, referencing the years of deceit Dee Dee imposed on her, which included lying about her age.
Blanchard celebrated her 33rd birthday by posting a video of her birthday outfit on Instagram Stories.
She also posted a clip of herself blowing out the candles on her birthday cake, celebrating the special occasion.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard celebrates 33rd birthday with family and fiance
This year, Gypsy Rose Blanchard enjoyed a simple but heartwarming celebration. "My family, my dad [Rod Blanchard], [my stepmom] Kristy [Blanchard], you know, they all had us a little lunch in for my birthday," she recalled.
The birthday became even more memorable when her fiance, Ken Urker, planned a special evening at the Ritz Carlton.
"Ken had taken me to the Ritz Carlton for a fancy dinner," she shared, laughing as she recounted that she only ordered french fries and a Caesar salad.
"He made the entire day so sweet," she added, as per People.
Urker also went the extra mile by baking her a cake, although it didn't turn out perfectly at first.
"He burned the first one, and so he had to remake it. There was so much love that went into that cake. I thought it was so sweet," Blanchard said, reflecting on the small but meaningful gesture.
