Teen Mom’s Maci Bookout remembers the exact moment her relationship with ex Ryan Edwards started to change for the better.
“It was about two years ago when Ryan and I met with Coach B in LA. Before that, I couldn’t even remember the last time I had spoken to Ryan,” explained Bookout, 33, in an exclusive interview with Us before the premiere of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter on January 30. “The two of us sat down and made a commitment to start fresh, and I truly believe that was the pivotal moment. Ever since then, we haven’t regressed; that was the turning point.”
On an episode of Teen Mom: Family Reunion in February 2023, both Bookout and Edwards, 37, agreed to have a conversation with Dr. Cheyenne Bryant to explore ways to improve their coparenting dynamic for the benefit of their 16-year-old son, Bentley.
In a tearful conversation, both parties agreed to put any past drama behind them and move forward in a positive way.
While the show proved to be beneficial for the family unit, Bookout also believes time helped heal some serious wounds.
Reflecting on their progress, she shared, “I think things have naturally fallen into place over time, and we have managed to establish a strong foundation. Everything is going smoothly, and I feel that the audience should witness this positive development.”
As Bookout’s marriage to Things That Matter designer Taylor McKinney remains strong, Edwards is reaching new milestones in his own romantic relationship with Amanda Conner. The couple announced their engagement earlier this month and are expecting their first child together in the spring.
“I am excited,” Bookout shared with Us about Edwards’ next chapter. “It’s been really awesome to see him really come into himself as a man and gain his confidence and just enjoy life and enjoy the work that he’s doing. It’s been really cool.”
She also confirmed that she will “for sure” be at Edwards’ upcoming wedding.
For now, Bookout is enjoying a drama-free coparenting relationship with her ex. She’s also grateful to see her own husband build a friendship with Edwards.
“Just like my relationship with Ryan, they’re doing it on their terms, on their time,” she explained. “It’s happening naturally. I think Taylor’s finally getting to see and get to know Ryan and not his addiction. I would always tell him, ‘There is a person in there. You’ve never known him.’”
Teen Mom: The Next Chapter airs on MTV Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET.
With reporting by Christina Garibaldi
