Holly Madison: A Quick Biographical Profile
Holly Madison, known for her candidness and memoir *Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny*, has had a career spanning modeling, reality television, and authorship. Before becoming a household name, she was a student with aspirations that eventually led her to a life in the public eye.
- Full Name: Hollin Sue Cullen (Legally changed to Holly Madison)
- Date of Birth: December 23, 1979
- Age: 45 (as of late 2025)
- Birth Place: Astoria, Oregon, U.S.
- Education: Attended Portland State University (majoring in Theater Arts and Psychology)
- Notable Occupations: Television Personality, Author, Model, Showgirl, Producer
- Notable Works: The Girls Next Door, Holly's World, Down the Rabbit Hole, *The Vegas Diaries*, *Girls Next Level* (Podcast)
- Children: Two (Rainbow Aurora Rotella and Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella)
- Current Status: Single (Divorced)
The Definitive End of Her Last Public Romance: Zak Bagans
The most recent chapter in Holly Madison’s dating history was her six-year, on-again, off-again relationship with paranormal investigator Zak Bagans. The couple first began dating in 2019, following her divorce from Pasquale Rotella. Their romance, which was largely kept private compared to her previous high-profile relationships, captured the attention of fans who were curious about the pairing of the former Playboy model and the host of the popular series *Ghost Adventures*.
The relationship was characterized by its periodic breaks and reconciliations, leading to frequent media speculation. However, a recent episode of the *Girls Next Level* podcast confirmed the finality of their split. Madison, speaking with Bridget Marquardt, stated that they had officially broken up for good, putting an end to the six-year saga. This confirmation, which surfaced in late 2024 and early 2025, is the freshest information available on her current relationship status.
Madison has since expressed that she is not interested in "short flings" or casual dating, indicating a desire to focus on more meaningful aspects of her life and her children, Rainbow Aurora Rotella and Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella. This period of being single marks a significant shift in her personal life as she continues to build her career as an author and podcast host.
Holly Madison’s Comprehensive Dating and Relationship History
Holly Madison’s romantic life has been a subject of intense public and media scrutiny, primarily due to her long-term relationship with Hugh Hefner and her subsequent high-profile marriage. Her complete dating history provides a comprehensive look at the men who have been a part of her life.
1. Hugh Hefner (2001–2008)
This is arguably Holly Madison’s most famous relationship. She moved into the Playboy Mansion in 2001 and quickly became one of Hugh Hefner’s main girlfriends, eventually becoming his "Number One Girlfriend." This period of her life was documented on the E! reality show *The Girls Next Door*, alongside Kendra Wilkinson and Bridget Marquardt. Her memoir, *Down the Rabbit Hole*, offers a deep, often critical, look into the complexities of her seven-year relationship with the Playboy founder. She left the mansion in 2008.
2. Criss Angel (2008–2009)
Shortly after leaving the Playboy Mansion, Holly Madison began dating magician Criss Angel. Their relationship was highly publicized and lasted for approximately eight months. Criss Angel, known for his Las Vegas residency and television show *Criss Angel Mindfreak*, was a major celebrity at the time, keeping Madison in the spotlight even after her exit from the mansion.
3. Benji Madden (2009–2010)
Following her split from Criss Angel, Madison was briefly linked to Good Charlotte guitarist Benji Madden. Their relationship was short-lived, lasting only a few months. Benji Madden is now married to actress Cameron Diaz.
4. Jack Barakat (2010–2011)
Madison briefly dated All Time Low bassist Jack Barakat. This relationship was another short-term romance that occurred during her time starring in her own reality show, *Holly's World*, which focused on her new life as a Las Vegas showgirl in the *Peepshow* production.
5. Pasquale Rotella (2011–2019)
Pasquale Rotella, the founder and CEO of Insomniac Events, which is responsible for the massive Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), became Madison’s most significant long-term partner and her only husband. They began dating in 2011 and married in a spectacular ceremony at Disneyland in 2013. The couple welcomed two children together: daughter Rainbow Aurora Rotella and son Forest Leonardo Antonio Rotella. They announced their separation and subsequent divorce in 2019, which was finalized shortly after. Despite the split, they maintain an amicable co-parenting relationship for their two children.
6. Zak Bagans (2019–2021, on-again/off-again)
As detailed above, her relationship with the *Ghost Adventures* host was her last major public romance. Their mutual interest in Las Vegas and the paranormal connected them. While they had periods of separation, the final confirmation of their split in late 2024/early 2025 is the reason she is currently single.
What’s Next for Holly Madison’s Love Life?
Holly Madison is currently prioritizing her well-being and career over actively seeking a new partner. Her recent diagnosis of autism in 2024 has led her to a period of self-reflection and focus on her mental health and family life.
On her podcast, she has openly discussed the challenges of dating in the public eye and her desire for an "intimate emotional connection" rather than a casual fling. This intentional period of singlehood allows the television personality to dedicate her time to her children and her successful media ventures, including the *Girls Next Level* podcast, which continues to be a top-rated show that delves into the untold stories of the Playboy Mansion. For now, fans can expect her to remain single while she focuses on her professional and personal growth.
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