The New Life Of Buddy Bell: 7 Shocking Updates On The My Big Fat Fabulous Life Star (2025)

The transformation of Buddy Bell, the long-time best friend and occasional platonic love interest of Whitney Way Thore on TLC’s *My Big Fat Fabulous Life* (*MBFFL*), has been one of the most compelling storylines for fans to follow. As of December 2025, Buddy’s life looks dramatically different than it did during his early seasons on the show, having successfully navigated a major sobriety journey and ultimately finding lasting love outside of his complicated dynamic with Whitney.

The biggest news surrounding the reality star is his confirmed marriage to his fiancée, Courtney Marsh, which marks a major new chapter in his life away from the perpetual drama of his friendship with Whitney. From his new married life in North Carolina to his continued role in the latest season of *MBFFL*, here is a deep dive into the current status of Luby Francis Bell III.

Buddy Bell: Full Biography and Profile

Luby Francis Bell III, better known simply as Buddy Bell, rose to fame as a central figure in the reality series *My Big Fat Fabulous Life*, which premiered in 2015. His close, often emotionally intense, relationship with star Whitney Way Thore has been a continuous source of both comfort and conflict on the show.

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• Full Name: Luby Francis Bell III
• Nickname: Buddy Bell
• Hometown: Greensboro, North Carolina
• Primary Role: Best friend and supporting cast member on TLC's *My Big Fat Fabulous Life* (*MBFFL*)
• Education: Reportedly returned to school and graduated from college following his initial sobriety journey.
• Sobriety Journey: Publicly addressed and sought treatment for a cocaine addiction, a major storyline in earlier seasons.
• Current Relationship Status: Married to Courtney Marsh (sometimes referred to as Courtney Renee Marsh).
• Key Relationships on *MBFFL*: Whitney Way Thore (best friend), Tal Fish (friend), Todd Beasley (friend), Heather Sykes (ex-girlfriend).

1. Confirmed: Buddy Bell is Officially Married to Courtney Marsh

One of the most anticipated events for long-time viewers was Buddy’s wedding, and the latest updates confirm he is now a married man. Buddy and his partner, Courtney Marsh, officially tied the knot, moving past their long engagement that began in late 2021.

The wedding ceremony, which was reportedly attended by his best friend Whitney Way Thore, took place at the stunning Forest Hall at Chatham Mills, a popular venue in North Carolina.

Buddy and Courtney's love story has been a refreshing change of pace for the reality star, who had a complicated romantic history with both Whitney and his former on-screen girlfriend, Heather Sykes. The couple’s wedding registries and social media activity leading up to the event confirmed the major life step, solidifying his new life chapter as a husband.

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2. His Sobriety and New Life in North Carolina

Buddy’s journey to sobriety was a major, challenging, and raw part of his storyline on *MBFFL*. After struggling with a cocaine addiction, he bravely entered rehab, a decision that was fully supported by Whitney and his family.

Current reports indicate that Buddy is living a stable, sober life in North Carolina with his wife, Courtney. This period is marked by a clear focus on his well-being and his new marriage, providing him with a strong foundation away from the chaotic elements that sometimes defined his younger days. He has also been spending time with his beloved French Bulldog, further cementing his quiet, domestic life.

3. Buddy’s Role in My Big Fat Fabulous Life Season 13 (2025)

Despite his new marital status and a life that seems increasingly independent from his co-star, Buddy Bell is expected to continue his role as a main cast member in the upcoming season of *My Big Fat Fabulous Life*. The show is confirmed to return for Season 13, with a potential air date in July 2025.

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Fans are eager to see how the new season will address the dynamics of his marriage and how it impacts his legendary friendship with Whitney. The show has historically explored the tension and platonic chemistry between the two, making his new life with Courtney a major point of interest for the reality series.

4. The Status of the Whitney and Buddy Friendship

The friendship between Buddy and Whitney Way Thore is the emotional core of much of *MBFFL*. Their relationship has been intense, featuring moments of romantic tension—including a surprising kiss in Season 6—and periods of strain, particularly when Buddy moved away or when his relationships, like the one with ex-girlfriend Brittany Sherman, caused friction.

While his marriage signifies a clear boundary in his platonic love connection with Whitney, the two remain close friends. Whitney's attendance at his wedding is a testament to the enduring nature of their bond. The new season is expected to showcase Whitney’s reaction and adaptation to Buddy's life as a married man, a storyline that promises to deliver significant emotional content for viewers.

5. What is Buddy Bell's Current Career?

Outside of his role as a reality television personality, Buddy’s professional career has often been a topic of speculation among fans. While one report suggests he went back to school and graduated from college, a specific, high-profile career title is not widely known.

Like many reality stars, Buddy maintains an active presence on platforms like Cameo, where he offers personalized video messages to fans, capitalizing on his fame from the TLC show. His primary "career" remains his involvement with *My Big Fat Fabulous Life* and leveraging his public persona. He continues to live in the Greensboro area, maintaining the North Carolina roots that have been a staple of the show since its inception.

6. Buddy’s Relationship with Tal Fish and Other Cast Members

Buddy’s close relationships extend beyond Whitney to other core members of the "No BS Active" crew, including his long-time friend Tal Fish. The show has featured arguments and dramatic moments between Buddy and Tal, often centered around their differing perspectives or their relationships with Whitney.

Despite the on-screen drama, Buddy remains connected to the core *MBFFL* cast, including Todd Beasley and Whitney’s family members, Glenn and Hunter Thore. These entities are all expected to feature in the latest season, providing a continued support system for Whitney as Buddy transitions into his new life as a husband.

7. The Enduring Legacy of the 'Platonic Love Interest'

Buddy Bell’s enduring significance in the *My Big Fat Fabulous Life* universe is his role as the "platonic love interest." This dynamic, defined by deep emotional intimacy, shared living spaces, and frequent speculation about a possible romance, resonated deeply with fans.

His marriage to Courtney Marsh finally puts an end to years of fan speculation that he and Whitney would eventually end up together. His story is a powerful narrative of personal growth, proving that a person can overcome significant personal challenges, like addiction, and move forward to build a healthy, independent life while still maintaining a powerful, albeit changed, friendship with a co-star.