Tron Austin Gives Heartfelt Blessing to Mom Chilli’s Flourishing Romance with Matthew Lawrence

In a heartwarming display of family support, **Tron Austin**, the 25-year-old son of iconic TLC member **Chilli**, has openly expressed his profound approval of his mother’s blossoming relationship with actor **Matthew Lawrence**. This endorsement comes as a significant stamp of validation for the high-profile romance that has captured the attention of fans and media alike. Tron, himself a rising star and known for his appearance on *Family Legacy*, didn’t hold back in sharing his genuine happiness for his mother, Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, and her new beau, Matthew Lawrence. “I just like seeing her happy, you know?” Tron candidly admitted in an exclusive interview with *People*. His sentiment was clear and unequivocal, reflecting a deep desire for his mother’s well-being. He added, “I wish them all the best and I think he’s a great guy.” This heartfelt statement not only offers personal insight into the family dynamics but also underscores the genuine affection and respect Tron holds for both his mother and her new partner.

Tron Austin, whose father is the renowned music producer **Dallas Austin**, delved deeper into the reasons behind his wholehearted support, drawing parallels from his own personal experiences. Having recently celebrated five years in his own committed relationship and marrying wife **Jeong Ah Wang** in December, Tron possesses a mature and insightful perspective on the complexities and joys of a strong, loving partnership. “As someone who is now five years into my relationship, I love seeing humans connect and witnessing that genuineness,” Tron explained, highlighting the universal appeal of true connection. His ability to recognize and appreciate this authentic bond in his mother’s new romance speaks volumes. He continued, “I feel that from him,” referring to Matthew Lawrence, suggesting that the sincerity and positive energy emanating from Matthew are palpable and reassuring to Chilli’s son. This perspective from Tron offers a unique and intimate glimpse into the family’s acceptance, providing a solid foundation of familial approval for Chilli and Matthew’s journey together. It’s a testament to the fact that genuine happiness often radiates outward, touching those closest to us and garnering their sincere blessings.

Tron further elaborated on his interactions with Matthew, painting a picture of a carefully cultivated relationship built on respect and understanding. “We’ve only met a couple of times because they’re really building their relationship since she’s very careful about that kind of stuff,” Tron clarified. This insight reveals Chilli’s thoughtful approach to her romantic life, underscoring her commitment to establishing a solid and meaningful connection before fully integrating a partner into her family sphere. Tron emphasized that his mom’s openness about this particular romance, despite her usual caution, is a clear indicator “that this is a very special person in her life.” This transparency from Chilli, a figure who has navigated the spotlight for decades, signals the profound impact Matthew has made. Beyond initial impressions, Tron also revealed shared interests that have helped forge a connection between him and Matthew. “I do MMA and [Matthew] said that he recently started doing jujitsu, so we have some commonalities and stuff that we talk about,” the *Family Legacy* star shared, illustrating how these relatable discussions have helped bridge the generational gap and solidify their bond. His closing remark, “I’m really happy for her,” perfectly encapsulates the joyous acceptance of this new chapter in his mother’s life.

Echoing Tron’s sentiments, the 42-year-old *Boy Meets World* alum, Matthew Lawrence, has also openly gushed about his girlfriend, Chilli, describing her as “really special.” His words reflect a profound sense of contentment and joy that has clearly invigorated his life. “My life is in complete bloom right now,” Matthew enthusiastically told *ET* on March 3, capturing the essence of a man deeply in love and experiencing a renaissance in his personal journey. This declaration speaks volumes about the positive influence Chilli has had on him. “I get to spend time with an amazing woman like Chilli. I’ve never gotten to be able to experience that kind of relationship before. She’s really, really special,” he added. Matthew’s statements are particularly poignant, indicating that his connection with Chilli transcends previous experiences, marking a unique and deeply fulfilling chapter. For a seasoned actor who has been in the public eye for much of his life, to speak with such raw sincerity about a relationship is a powerful testament to the genuine bond they share. His admiration for Chilli is not just about her celebrity status but about the depth of her character and the quality of their connection, highlighting a partnership built on mutual respect and genuine affection.

The story of how Matthew and Chilli first crossed paths is as charming and serendipitous as their burgeoning romance. Matthew recounted a classic “meet-cute” scenario, revealing that their initial connection was sparked during an unexpected circumstance. They found themselves chatting when a formidable snowstorm caused significant flight delays, ultimately placing them on the very same plane. “Really it was the flight talking and then afterwards saying, ‘hey, you know what? Let’s keep in contact,’ and it almost did not happen,” Matthew detailed, emphasizing the precarious nature of their initial encounter. He elaborated on the near miss, adding, “Literally an hour before the flight took off, [the airline] said, ‘Okay, we got you on this flight. You gotta go.’” This twist of fate, a last-minute ticket confirmation, turned a potentially frustrating travel delay into the genesis of a remarkable relationship. It speaks to the idea that sometimes, the most profound connections can emerge from the most unexpected situations, proving that destiny often works in mysterious and delightful ways. Their story of meeting on a delayed flight not only makes for a great anecdote but also highlights the organic and unforced beginning of their connection, away from the typical pressures of celebrity introductions.

Matthew and Chilli, 51, officially took their romance public in January, confirming their status as an exclusive couple. However, the whispers and sightings of their budding relationship had been circulating for several months prior, with the duo first linked in August 2022. It was then that they were notably spotted enjoying each other’s company on a picturesque beach in Hawaii, sparking immediate speculation about a new celebrity pairing. This public appearance came approximately six months after news broke of Matthew Lawrence’s split from his wife of three years, *Dancing with the Stars* pro **Cheryl Burke**. The timeline naturally drew considerable media attention, as the public followed the progression of Matthew’s personal life from his divorce to this exciting new chapter with Chilli. The confirmation of their exclusive dating status in January served to validate the earlier beach sightings and marked a clear public declaration of their commitment to each other, setting a firm foundation for their relationship in the eyes of their fans and the wider entertainment world. Their decision to go public signified a readiness to share their happiness and allow their relationship to flourish openly.

As is often the case in the interconnected world of celebrity relationships, Matthew’s ex-wife, Cheryl Burke, did not remain silent following the confirmation of his new romance. Just hours after Matthew and Chilli announced they were “exclusively” dating, Cheryl appeared to subtly, yet pointedly, react to the news. Taking to her Instagram Story, a platform often used for immediate and unvarnished celebrity commentary, she posted a concise and impactful statement: “That was fast.” This three-word message instantly sparked a flurry of discussions across social media and in entertainment news outlets, interpreted by many as a clear jab at the speed with which her ex-husband had moved on. While not explicitly naming names, the timing and context of her post left little to the imagination, inviting public scrutiny and empathy for both parties involved. Such public reactions from former partners are not uncommon in the highly scrutinized world of Hollywood, often adding another layer of complexity to new relationships and reminding everyone of the intricate personal histories that celebrities navigate under the constant gaze of the public eye. This moment highlighted the challenges of navigating new love while still in the orbit of past relationships, making Chilli and Matthew’s decision to embrace their joy even more significant.