Olivia and Paul's Love: Less Privacy, More Paparazzi!
In a GQ interview, social media superstar Olivia Dunne reveals how she manages the Instagram account of her more reserved boyfriend Paul Skenes, proving that fame definitely comes with a social media manager!
Their interview highlights the contrasting approaches of Dunne and Skenes to fame, with Dunne, who boasts nearly 14 million followers and is gearing up for a bikini debut in the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, taking charge of Skenes' Instagram while he navigates his fresh MLB career. As he marks his territory as the National League Rookie of the Year, it's clear that having a partner like Dunne means you’re not just getting a girlfriend, you’re getting a full-time social media strategist.
Dunne's rise to fame accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic when she transformed into a social media sensation. Embracing the spotlight as a top NIL earner, she cultivated an impressive following across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where she has nearly 14 million followers. While many struggle to find their online voice, Dunne clearly found hers and then some—though one might wonder if she still needs to teach Paul Skenes a thing or two about the online game!
Skenes, who has only recently stepped onto the big stage after being selected first overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, seems to approach fame with a healthy dose of caution. In the same GQ interview, he candidly admitted to being 'iffy' about Instagram. But fear not! Dunne is here to help, managing his account and ensuring that this rookie doesn’t slip through the social media cracks without a proper endorsement or two.
For Dunne, the comparison between them is striking; she describes herself as outgoing while labeling Skenes as more reserved. Such differences lead to intriguing dynamics: while she is posting glimpses of their life—be it an adventurous outing or a cozy night in—he is content to leave the Instagramming to her, proving that opposites do attract, especially when one is more likely to flaunt a bikini while the other is more about the baseball cap.
Interestingly, their relationship so far has not escaped the amusing fumbles of social media. Dunne recounted with a chuckle how Skenes did not follow her back on Instagram initially. It’s the kind of story that could fuel many a light-hearted dig – 'You didn’t think I was worth the follow?'. Of course, that’s probably a conversation that turned very different once they realized what they had when they met in Baton Rouge.
Their bond has grown stronger since going public with their relationship in August 2023. Dunne has been a steadfast supporter of Skenes throughout his venture into the majors, likely cheering louder than any media hype surrounding his historic rookie season. With her accolades and his newly won National League Rookie of the Year award, one has to wonder if they have a friendly competition for who can rack up accolades faster.
Let's not forget Dunne's recent absence from competition due to an unfortunate avulsion fracture of her patella. While she was sidelined, her support for Skenes did not waver. As she rallied for him from the sidelines, Skenes proved he could hold his own, showcasing the same tenacity on the field as Dunne has on social media.
It's apparent that having each other's backs is part of their “relationship objectives.” With Dunne managing Skenes' account, one can only imagine the playful banter that must exist as they craft posts together. Perhaps one day, they’ll create a series called 'Life, Love, and Lattes' chronicling all that it’s like to manage fame while simultaneously managing each other’s expectations.
Fast forward to March 2025, when Dunne and the LSU gymnastics team can take pride in having clinched the SEC Championship for the second consecutive year. Between the gymnastic feats and Skenes' on-field accomplishments, one can almost picture future 'Hallmark movie moments' adorning their Instagram feeds—just with less cheesy music and outdoor proposals and more actual impressive achievements.
In the grand scheme of things, Dunne and Skenes embody a modern romance intertwined with fame. Their interplay between her social media savvy and his on-field heroics offers a humorous glimpse into the lives of today’s sports and media darlings as they juggle love, fame, and an occasionally smirking digital audience. So here’s to constant hashtags, inevitable collaborations, and plenty of opportunity to ensure neither of them forgets the value of 'flying solo' in their respective arenas.