Molly O’Connell joined the cast of “Southern Charm” in season 10, where fans learned that she competed on “America’s Next Top Model,” is a professional euphonium player with the Charleston Concert band, and has a pet snake.
But when it came to her dating life, O’Connell hadn’t found much luck. The Bravo star once had an intimate texting relationship with Craig Conover and a brief fling with Shep Rose at the end of the season. It wasn’t until much recently that she shared that she found someone special outside her “Southern Charm” circle, and divulged a little more detail at the season 11 reunion.
Molly O’Connell Shares She’s Dating an Older Musician at ‘Southern Charm’ Reunion
BravoUnlike how season 10 wrapped, Molly O’Connell didn’t hook up with a castmate at the end of season 11 of “Southern Charm.” But during the reunion, which aired on March 18, the model shared a romantic update with her castmates and fans.
Speaking to host Andy Cohen, O’Connell said, “He’s a musician in Charleston. He’s extremely talented.”
She might also have surprised followers by revealing their large age gap.
“He’s 56, and I’m 38. I like a little seasoning,” she jokingly added.
O’Connell also briefly discussed her newfound relationship in December 2025, when she was a guest on “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen” alongside Shep Rose.
“I have been recently dating someone for the past few months,” she shared, adding that he lived in Charleston “for a long time.” Although she did not reveal his identity, O’Connell said he was a guitar player.
Rose then replied, “We’re very happy about this … They’re in a band together. That always works, right?”
O’Connell Conquers Her Biggest Fear on ‘Southern Charm’ Season 11
In season 11, O’Connell faced one of her biggest fears: singing in front of a crowd. During the Feb. 18 episode, O’Connell shared before taking the stage, “Doing an open mic night is a million times scarier to me than playing euphonium. Because there’s a buffer of a huge band versus me, and that terrifies me.”
O’Connell showcased her impressive singing talents that day, with castmates Salley Carson, Rodrigo Reyes, and Rose, along with her family, cheering her on.
“This is truly one of my biggest fears that I’ve faced. It’s just another thing I’ve checked off my list now.” She then joked, “What else is there to do? Children? No, just kidding.”
Since overcoming her stage fright, O’Connell has gone on to perform regularly at Craig Conover and Austen Kroll’s Charleston restaurant By the Way. She took the stage in October 2025, later sharing the milestone moment with fans on Instagram.
“Thankful my girls (and everyone else!) came to support my last night at my first real gig EVER at @bythewaychs!!” She captioned her post.
According to her Instagram bio, O’Connell is set to perform at By the Way on select dates throughout March, April, and May.
