Connect How did your love story begin?

We met in 2000, started dating 12/15/00. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1996 so when I met him, he already knew I was sick. He was a country singer trying to make it big in the business, I met him through my dads recording studio, of course it was in the house so when he came by I was in my pj’s (yup messy hair and all). He wasn’t “my type” sort of speak and so we became friends before lovers. As time went on, it was just magic from there, but not without a lot of obstacles in our way.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

I’d have to say our favorite memory together was when we went to Hawaii for the first time. I was in a wheelchair from a car accident in 2012 and this was 2014. It was the first time I stood up when I found out we were going. It was a last minute decision since it was through our timeshare. I climbed a volcano and all! He helped me through it all. And even carried me on the black sand beach because I couldn’t walk that steep of steps. It was romantic.

What would you do with $20,000?

I’d like to go on a vacation. It’s been 4 years since we had one. I dealt with diabetes and kidney failure and in 2019, I received a kidney/pancreas transplant. Due to numerous illnesses, my kidney went bad and I had to get a new kidney. I just received a new organ on 6/26/25 and feel incredibly blessed. I got to meet my donor & it made it that more special. Dusty and I have literally been through it all since day one. I even battled stage 4 PTLD lymphoma back in 2019. He’s never left my side. ♥