Katie Maloney Embraces New Romance with Satchel Clendenin, Stassi Schroeder Praises Her Post-Divorce Happiness
After navigating a significant life transition, Vanderpump Rules star Katie Maloney, 35, is reportedly enjoying a budding new romance with Satchel Clendenin, 25. The news comes as a refreshing chapter for Maloney, who recently finalized her divorce from longtime partner and co-star, Tom Schwartz. Her close friend and fellow Vanderpump Rules alumna, Stassi Schroeder, 34, is reportedly showering Katie with unwavering support and couldn’t be happier for her friend’s renewed sense of joy and freedom.
Sources close to the reality television personality reveal that Katie isn’t rushing into this new connection with Satchel, opting instead to simply enjoy his company and the natural progression of their relationship. This measured approach highlights a newfound maturity and self-awareness following her public separation. According to an exclusive statement to HollywoodLife, a source shared, “Stassi knows things are still very new between Katie and Satchel but she couldn’t be happier for her friend. Not because she’s dating, but because she sees how happy Katie is with her life in general.” This sentiment underscores a deeper satisfaction for Stassi, observing Katie’s overall well-being rather than just her relationship status.
The journey through divorce is often arduous, particularly when played out in the public eye. Stassi Schroeder has been a constant presence and a formidable pillar of strength for Katie throughout this challenging period. “Stassi has been by Katie’s side through thick and thin, and was there for her all throughout her divorce from Schwartz,” the source further explained. “Stassi just wants Katie to be happy and thinks she deserves the world. A few people have met Satchel and so far everybody thinks he’s great. He’s really laid back which Stassi thinks is a good match for Katie.” This endorsement from Katie’s closest confidante speaks volumes about Satchel’s character and his positive influence on Katie.
Despite the ten-year age difference between Katie and Satchel, the age gap appears to be a non-issue for those in Katie’s inner circle. The source noted, “She realizes there’s an age difference, but Satchel seems pretty mature for his age and Katie is enjoying his company so that’s all that matters. She sees that Katie isn’t putting too much pressure on things and is just having fun for the time being.” This perspective emphasizes that personal connection and shared enjoyment supersede conventional expectations regarding age, focusing on the genuine happiness Katie is experiencing. Satchel’s perceived maturity and relaxed demeanor seem to complement Katie’s personality, creating a harmonious dynamic that is evident to her friends.
A New Chapter: Legally Free and Emotionally Open
As Katie embraces this new relationship with Satchel, she has also officially and legally closed the chapter on her marriage to Tom Schwartz. Their divorce was finalized on October 12, marking a definitive end to their union. Documents obtained by Us Weekly revealed the specifics of their asset division, including the equitable splitting of profits from the sale of their shared Los Angeles home, which fetched a cool $2 million in August. Other assets were also divided according to ownership, ensuring a clean and fair separation for both parties.
Katie and Tom, whose wedding was a focal point of Vanderpump Rules in 2019, publicly confirmed their separation in March through heartfelt statements. Both acknowledged that the decision to dissolve the marriage was Katie’s, a brave and deeply personal choice that Tom ultimately respected. In his statement, Schwartz articulated his acceptance: “[I] fully respect Katie’s decision and we’ve had healthy, productive conversations about it. It would be far sadder if she decided to stay with me whilst not happy.” This mature handling of their separation set a precedent for amicable celebrity divorces, showcasing their mutual respect even amidst heartbreak.
The Enduring Power of Friendship: Stassi’s Unwavering Support
Stassi Schroeder’s journey through Katie and Tom’s split began with a different emotion. Shortly after their separation was announced, a different source revealed that Stassi was initially “heartbroken” for the couple. “Stassi is heartbroken for Tom and Katie because they’ve shared so many memories together as friends,” a friend close to the fashion blogger EXCLUSIVELY shared withHollywoodLife in late March. “Out of everybody in their circle of friends, Stassi is probably the most affected by this because she’s the closest to them as a couple.” This initial sadness stemmed from the deep history and shared experiences among their tight-knit group, many of which unfolded on *Vanderpump Rules*.
However, Stassi’s evolution from sadness to profound happiness for Katie illustrates the strength of their enduring friendship. As Katie began to heal and rediscover herself, Stassi was there to witness the transformation, offering encouragement and a safe space for processing emotions. This transition reflects a true friend’s ability to prioritize their loved one’s individual happiness, even if it means letting go of what once was. Stassi’s current support for Katie’s new romance is a testament to this deep bond, demonstrating that her ultimate desire is to see Katie thriving and genuinely content in her life choices.
Navigating Public Life and Personal Happiness
Being a public figure on a show like *Vanderpump Rules* means that relationships, breakups, and new romances are often under intense scrutiny. Katie Maloney has spent years sharing her life, including the complexities of her relationship with Tom Schwartz, with millions of viewers. This public exposure can add immense pressure to personal decisions. Yet, Katie’s current approach to dating Satchel Clendenin – taking things slow, enjoying the company, and not succumbing to external pressures – shows a clear personal growth. She appears more focused on her authentic feelings and less concerned with external validation or timelines, a refreshing shift that Stassi and her friends clearly recognize and applaud.
The decision to finalize her divorce and then cautiously step into a new relationship signifies a powerful act of self-love and self-prioritization for Katie. It highlights her resilience and willingness to embrace new experiences after a significant life change. The support from Stassi Schroeder, who has navigated her own journey through public life and personal milestones, undoubtedly plays a crucial role in Katie’s confidence and emotional well-being. Their shared history, from their early days on *Vanderpump Rules* to navigating motherhood and major life events, has forged a bond that allows for such candid and supportive friendship.
Ultimately, Katie Maloney’s newfound romance with Satchel Clendenin, coupled with the enthusiastic backing of her closest friend Stassi Schroeder, paints a picture of a woman confidently stepping into a new, happier chapter. It’s a testament to moving forward, prioritizing personal happiness, and finding joy in unexpected connections, all while surrounded by an unwavering support system. As Katie continues to navigate her journey post-divorce, her focus remains on her own well-being and embracing the laid-back, enjoyable company of Satchel, signaling a promising and genuinely content future.