Gabby Windey: at 34, she has cycled through more careers than a cat has lives—except instead of nine, we’re at a solid two, like a lukewarm coffee.
Before gracing the screens of The Bachelor Season 26 and then taking the reigns for The Bachelorette, our gal was busy saving lives as an ICU nurse—sure, let’s file that under “noble.” Meanwhile, she also spent time as a Denver Broncos cheerleader, because multitasking is all the rage! Nowadays, she’s racking up viral fame with her Long Winded podcast—who knew that ranting about business hours could be so relatable? Here’s a pro tip: don’t call her after 3 p.m. unless you’re a doctor with a real emergency.
“Young Gabby would be in complete shock—like a cat caught in a water fountain,” Windey muses, sharing her disbelief at landing a spot in PEOPLE’s World’s Most Beautiful issue. A dream come true? More like a string of odd job choices come to life!
Photo by Alex G. Harper
Describing her style as “fun, flirty, and sexy” is a classic case of aiming for the stars but ending up at the local bowling alley. Her “signature facial?” Just a chemical peel and red light mask—or what I like to call a glamorous exfoliation.
On shoot days, she fuels herself with coffee and a propranolol—a cocktail that says, “I’m ready for my close-up, but please keep the drama to a minimum.” Clearly, that’s a winning formula!
Newlywed Bliss (Or Blissful Ignorance?)
On April 11, Windey and comedian Robby Hoffman tied the knot at a courthouse—because who doesn’t love a good bureaucratic love story? This came a mere four months post their understated Vegas elopement. Because nothing says “true romance” like a quick stop at the DMV!
Hoffman proposed after only three months because what better way to solidify your impulse decisions than a wedding? Windey claims she’d recommend marriage to everyone, but only if you’re ready to commit to a lifetime of bickering about whose turn it is to do the dishes.
Photo by Alex G. Harper
Windey claims, “My wife helps me feel beautiful every day,” because it’s always handy to have someone around to boost your ego and critique your outfit at the same time. Talk about a win-win!
“I feel seen, and not just because she has a penchant for expressing herself vocally,” Windey smirks, clearly enjoying the chaos of love. It’s a delightful mess, really!
Hitting the Right Notes
Fans adore Windey for her perfectly timed zingers. “I’m always baffled when something I say goes viral,” she admits, telling us all the secrets of stardom while tripping over her own self-deprecation.
“Listening to my own voice is like nails on a chalkboard,” she reveals. So, if you notice a lack of Gabby content, maybe she’s just giving her ears a break—self-care is important, especially when you’re perpetually hilarious.
Photo by Alex G. Harper
Recording episodes for her Long Winded podcast? It’s as simple as “whatever comes to mind.” If you think you have a chaotic thought process, just wait until you listen to her with no filter!
Fashion Forward
Thanks to her win on The Traitors and other lucrative brand deals, Windey is finding herself amid a designer clothing bonanza. Wealth might “whisper,” but she’s ready for it to scream—let’s face it, who needs subtlety when you have a penchant for the flashy?
“I’m not wealthy yet. My money is talking—more like shouting,” she insists. Forget quiet luxury; let’s make a statement, people.
Photo by Alex G. Harper
When she’s not dazzling the cameras, Windey’s lounging at home in a “big t-shirt and underwear”—that’s the kind of relatable-style-brand that makes us all feel good about ourselves. “Matching PJs?” she laughs. “I now embrace those.”
A Glimpse of Relaxation
“It’s been busy, but in a good way,” she remarks on her whirlwind year. Definitely not the romantic ‘running away from it all’ you would expect, right? She adds, “I wouldn’t mind a slow down, preferably in bed binge-watching shows.” I agree; who doesn’t want to rewatch the same series for the tenth time?
Photo by Alex G. Harper
Despite the chaos, she expresses gratitude for every oddball opportunity and adorable moment with her wife. “It’s surreal. Someone pinch me!” But honestly, who wouldn’t want to wake up from a beautiful dream?
Future Plans or Just Daydreaming?
“Whatever I do next will happen at the right time,” Windey says, likely while consulting her celestial calendar. “I just arrived here! Now you want me to plan next week? I can barely plan lunch!”
While she admits most opportunities don’t land in her lap, they have a funny way of popping up just when she’s overthinking herself to death. It’s a distinct gift!
“Initially, I turned down the chance to be on The Traitors. It took ten months before I came around! Then it clicked, like a bolt of divine inspiration: ‘Oh yes, let’s jump into the crazy,’” she recounts, adding that her podcast journey also started off with reluctance—because who would willingly choose to hear their own voice?
Photo by Alex G. Harper
Next up? Windey’s manager might have to twist her arm for her next big gig. Who knew that being fabulous came with such a hefty dose of self-doubt?
“I’ve done so much already. How is it possible to determine what’s next? I’m a Capricorn—I grind!” she reassures her fans, like a celestial workhorse ready for the next race.
The exciting reveal of her cover for PEOPLE’s World’s Most Beautiful issue is slated for April 22; talk about suspense built on a foundation of good humor!
