Baylen Dupree: From TikTok Star to Bride-to-Be

Baylen Dupree, a 22-year-old social media sensation known for her openness about living with Tourette syndrome, is engaged to her boyfriend, Colin Dooley. The couple, who have been together for over two years, shared their exciting news on Instagram on Tuesday, February 11.

An Exclusive Announcement

“Does this ring make me look engaged? We’re thrilled to share that we’re officially engaged!” Dupree told PEOPLE. “We can’t wait to take you along on this journey — through all the ups, downs, and everything in between. But one thing’s for sure, we’re beyond excited for this next chapter of our lives!”

The proposal details are being kept secret for now, but they will be revealed in Dupree’s new TLC reality series, “Baylen Out Loud,” which premiered on January 13 and concludes on March 10. The show follows Dupree and her family as they navigate her life with Tourette’s.

Rising to Fame Through Awareness

Dupree was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome in 2020 and decided to use her platform to raise awareness and dispel misconceptions about the disorder. She has amassed over 10 million followers on TikTok and 1.5 million followers on Instagram.

Two years after her diagnosis, she met Dooley on a dating app in November 2022. Since then, he has been a constant source of support throughout her journey with Tourette syndrome.

A Love Story

Before her show’s premiere, Dupree described Dooley as her “medicine,” emphasizing his unwavering love and support.

“He is the prescription that I’ve needed for a really long time that never runs out. It was just meant to be. He just understands me so well,” she said. “He distracts me from a lot of the things that consume my day and my time … It just really helps just having someone there who gets it and understands me.”

Dupree noted that Dooley, a member of the United States Air Force, had never met anyone with Tourette syndrome before but was “very observant” and researched the condition after their first date.

“He still is [learning], but I mean, so is everyone else. I am still learning about it. My parents are still learning about it,” Dupree said. “There’s so much more work that needs to be done to educate more people and to understand fully what people are going through and dealing with.”

She also addressed the misconception that Dooley needs to be “patient” with her, stating that patience is essential in all relationships, regardless of whether someone has Tourette syndrome.

Future Plans

Dupree also expressed her desire to have children with Dooley in the future, even if they inherit her condition. She is confident in her ability to guide them through any challenges they may face.

“It was definitely hard for me to go through and think, Do I want kids because of my condition? I struggled a lot with that internally,” she explained. “Then I think, ‘What better person, if my kid has Tourette, to take care of [them] than me?’ I will know. Me and Colin will know. We’re living it. We know.”

“I just see myself with a family [and] an animal farm, hopefully,” Dupree added of her future aspirations. “Just being with Colin and having my own family.”

Baylen Dupree: A Closer Look

Baylen Dupree is more than just a social media star; she is an advocate, an inspiration, and a beacon of hope for those living with Tourette syndrome. Her journey has been marked by challenges, but she has faced them with courage, resilience, and a determination to make a difference.

Early Life and Diagnosis

Dupree’s life took an unexpected turn in 2020 when she was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome. The diagnosis came as a shock, but she refused to let it define her. Instead, she decided to use her platform to educate others about the condition and challenge the stereotypes associated with it.

Social Media Presence

Dupree’s social media presence has grown exponentially since her diagnosis. Her TikTok and Instagram accounts have become platforms for sharing her experiences, raising awareness, and connecting with others who have Tourette syndrome.

Her videos often feature her tics, which she embraces with humor and honesty. She also uses her platform to debunk myths about Tourette syndrome and provide support to those who are struggling with the condition.

“Baylen Out Loud”

Dupree’s reality series, “Baylen Out Loud,” offers an intimate look into her life with Tourette syndrome. The show follows her as she navigates the challenges of daily life, pursues her dreams, and builds relationships with her family and friends.

The series has been praised for its authenticity and its ability to shed light on the realities of living with Tourette syndrome. It has also been credited with helping to reduce the stigma associated with the condition.

Colin Dooley: A Supportive Partner

Colin Dooley has been a constant source of support for Dupree since they began dating in 2022. He has embraced her condition and has been willing to learn more about it.

Dooley’s support has been invaluable to Dupree, who has described him as her “medicine.” He has helped her to cope with the challenges of living with Tourette syndrome and has encouraged her to pursue her dreams.

A Military Man

Dooley is a member of the United States Air Force, which requires him to be away from Dupree for extended periods. Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship, the couple has remained committed to each other.

Dooley’s military service has also given Dupree a unique perspective on the sacrifices that service members and their families make. She has used her platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by military families and to show her support for the troops.

Tourette Syndrome: Understanding the Condition

Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements or vocalizations called tics. The condition typically begins in childhood and can range in severity from mild to severe.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Tourette syndrome vary from person to person. Some people may have only a few mild tics, while others may have more frequent and severe tics.

Common tics include:

• Eye blinking
• Shoulder shrugging
• Head jerking
• Facial grimacing
• Throat clearing
• Grunting
• Sniffing
• Yelling
• Repeating words or phrases

Causes

The exact cause of Tourette syndrome is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Treatment

There is no cure for Tourette syndrome, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms. These treatments include:

• Medication
• Therapy
• Deep brain stimulation

Raising Awareness and Reducing Stigma

Dupree’s advocacy work has been instrumental in raising awareness about Tourette syndrome and reducing the stigma associated with the condition. She has used her platform to educate others about the realities of living with Tourette syndrome and to challenge the stereotypes that often surround it.

Impact

Dupree’s work has had a significant impact on the Tourette syndrome community. She has inspired others to speak out about their experiences and has helped to create a more inclusive and accepting society for people with Tourette syndrome.

A Bright Future

Baylen Dupree and Colin Dooley have a bright future ahead of them. They are both passionate about their work and are committed to making a difference in the world.

Their love story is an inspiration to others, and their commitment to each other is a testament to the power of love and support. As they embark on this new chapter in their lives, they will undoubtedly continue to inspire and uplift those around them.