In a love story worthy of a Netflix sequel, Joe Exotic is set to marry his fellow inmate Jorge Marquez this December, proving that even behind bars, romance isn’t behind bars—unless there’s a warden involved.

Joe Exotic, the flamboyant figure from 'Tiger King,' is planning his third wedding while serving a 21-year sentence for a failed assassination plot. He announced his engagement to fellow inmate Jorge Marquez on social media, revealing that he has filed for a wedding license and hopes to say 'I do' on December 12, provided the prison warden doesn’t swipe left on the proposal. With this engagement, Exotic proves that the only thing he’s more committed to than his big cats is a life sentence of love.

Marquez, who is 33 and hails from Mexico, seems to have captured Exotic's heart despite the metal bars and orange jumpsuits detailing the backdrop of their relationship. While many couples may have the pleasure of dining at lovely restaurants or going on scenic walks, these lovebirds are honing the art of prison gourmet with delicacies like instant ramen and canned tuna. Clearly, romance knows no boundaries—or cooking skills when it comes to serving time together.

Exotic's journey to romance hasn't been without its share of drama. Previously married to Dillon Passage and marked by the tragedy of losing his second husband, Travis Maldonado, to a self-inflicted gunshot wound, it’s safe to say Exotic has more marital experiences than most. Perhaps this streak of bad luck has led him to find solace in the arms of another inmate rather than venturing into the wilds of civilian dating—a strategy, it seems, that at least avoids some of the more treacherous terrains of modern love.

However, there's more to this relationship than just exchanging glances over dinner trays. Exotic doesn’t shy away from proclaiming his innocence regarding his conviction, which centers around an ill-fated attempt to hire a hitman to eliminate rival animal rights activist Carole Baskin. It seems that in a setup where attraction arises amidst the gravity of one's past decisions, love truly does find a way—albeit via a uniquely structured living arrangement.

Despite his legal troubles, Joe is reportedly optimistic about his wedding plans. He’s hopeful that the prison warden will greenlight their union, which may very well spark a new trend in wedding planning protocols—complete with security checks, metal detectors, and perhaps even a live tiger as a ring bearer. Signing those wedding documents in an environment so regulated is a testament to his determination in both love and defiance against his incarceration.

As for the future, Joe's projected release date is September 2, 2029. That gives the couple over six years to perfect their behind-bars romance and strategy for marriage that seems to balance with a good dose of real-life drama. One can only imagine what the couple will post on social media as their relationship progresses, with updates likely to include stylish mugshot-inspired wedding photos and possibly the first-ever prison honeymoon—all while navigating their daily routines of prison life.

In the end, whether or not the prison warden plays matchmaker remains to be seen. For now, Joe Exotic and Jorge Marquez demonstrate that love is indeed a powerful force, capable of transcending four walls and metallic barriers, even if it requires a little extra creativity. Here's hoping their love story goes much smoother than Exotic's previous ventures—and that they navigate the curiously convoluted world of relationships and legal dilemmas with a hint more finesse than his past expeditions. After all, we can all use a bit of optimism and humor, especially when it involves a colorful character like Joe Exotic.