Gypsy-Rose Alcida Blanchard-Anderson is a survivor of Munchausen-by-proxy syndrome. She gained worldwide attention after being convicted of second-degree murder in Springfield, Missouri, for the death of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard. Dee Dee had subjected Gypsy-Rose to severe physical, mental, and medical abuse throughout her life. Gypsy-Rose was sentenced to ten years in prison for the crime.
July 27, 1991: Birth of Gypsy-Rose Blanchard
On July 27, 1991, Gypsy-Rose Blanchard was born. This event marks the beginning of a complex and tragic story where she would later become a survivor of Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
1995: Dee Dee Blanchard Falsifies Gypsy-Rose's Birthdate
Dee Dee Blanchard falsified Gypsy-Rose's birthdate to 1995, aiming to convince others that her daughter was younger than she actually was. This manipulation was part of Dee Dee's larger pattern of deception and control.
2001: Gypsy-Rose Attends First Science Fiction and Fantasy Conventions
In 2001, Gypsy-Rose Blanchard started attending science fiction and fantasy conventions, finding a sense of community and belonging within these inclusive spaces.
2007: Gypsy-Rose Blanchard: Oley Foundation Child of the Year
In 2007, while living in Aurora, Missouri, Gypsy-Rose Blanchard was named Child of the Year by the Oley Foundation, an organization advocating for feeding-tube recipients. Throughout this, Gypsy-Rose was aware that she didn't require a feeding tube and could walk, but she maintained the facade out of fear of her mother.
2008: Habitat for Humanity Builds Home for the Blanchards
In 2008, Habitat for Humanity built a home in Springfield, Missouri for Gypsy-Rose and Dee Dee Blanchard, complete with accommodations for Gypsy-Rose's supposed disabilities. This act of generosity was driven by the community's sympathy for their story of surviving Hurricane Katrina and dealing with Gypsy-Rose's purported illnesses.
2011: Gypsy-Rose's Escape Attempt and Subsequent Punishment
In 2011, Gypsy-Rose made an attempt to escape her mother's control at a convention but was unsuccessful. Dee Dee found her and used threats and manipulation to maintain control over Gypsy-Rose, further isolating her.
2012: Gypsy-Rose Meets Nicholas Godejohn Online
Around 2012, Gypsy-Rose Blanchard connected with Nicholas Godejohn online, marking a pivotal point in her life and her quest for freedom from her mother's abuse.
2014: Gypsy-Rose Confides in Aleah Woodmansee
In 2014, Gypsy-Rose confided in her neighbor, Aleah Woodmansee, about her plans to elope with Nicholas Godejohn. Despite her attempts to keep her online relationship secret, Gypsy-Rose's actions demonstrated a desire for independence and a life free from her mother's control.
June 8, 2015: Nicholas Godejohn Arrives in Springfield
On June 8, 2015, Nicholas Godejohn arrived in Springfield, marking a turning point in Gypsy-Rose's plan to escape her abusive situation. This event would have lasting consequences and dramatically alter the course of her life.
November 21, 2017: "Mother Knows Best" Episode on Dr. Phil
On November 21, 2017, the Dr. Phil show aired an episode titled "Mother Knows Best: A Story of Munchausen by Proxy and Murder," featuring interviews with Gypsy-Rose, her father, and her stepmother.
2019: Release of "Mommy Dead and Dearest" Documentary
In 2019, HBO released the documentary "Mommy Dead and Dearest," which provided an in-depth look at the case and included interviews with both Gypsy-Rose Blanchard and Nicholas Godejohn.
2019: "The Act" Mini-Series Release
In 2019, while Gypsy-Rose Blanchard was still incarcerated, Hulu released "The Act," a mini-series based on her story. The show brought further public awareness to her case.
July 2022: Gypsy-Rose Blanchard Marries Ryan Anderson
In July 2022, while still imprisoned, Gypsy-Rose Blanchard married Ryan Anderson, a teacher from Louisiana, in a private ceremony.
December 2023: Gypsy-Rose Blanchard's Parole and Media Attention
In December 2023, Gypsy-Rose Blanchard was paroled after serving eight years in prison. Following her release, she gained significant media attention due to the unusual circumstances surrounding her case, including her mother's Munchausen by proxy abuse.
December 28, 2023: Gypsy-Rose Blanchard Released on Parole
On December 28, 2023, Gypsy-Rose Blanchard was released from prison on parole after serving eight years of her ten-year sentence.
January 5, 2024: Premiere of "The Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard"
January 5, 2024, marked the premiere of "The Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard," a six-part docuseries airing on the Lifetime TV network. This series added another layer to the public's understanding of the case.
January 2024: Release of "Released: Conversations on The Eve of Freedom"
In January 2024, Gypsy-Rose Blanchard announced the release of her e-book, "Released: Conversations on The Eve of Freedom." This marked her entry into the literary world and provided her with a platform to share her story.
March 10, 2024: Gypsy-Rose Blanchard Deactivates Social Media Accounts
On March 10, 2024, Gypsy-Rose Blanchard made the decision to delete both her Instagram and Twitter accounts, stepping back from the public eye and the scrutiny that comes with it. This move highlighted the challenges of managing a public profile, especially given the sensitive nature of her story.
March 28, 2024: Gypsy-Rose Blanchard Announces Separation from Ryan Anderson
On March 28, 2024, Gypsy-Rose Blanchard publicly announced her separation from her husband, Ryan Anderson, signaling a significant change in her personal life.
April 30, 2024: Reconciliation with Ken Urker
On April 30, 2024, Blanchard revealed via TMZ that she had rekindled her relationship with her ex-fiance, Ken Urker.
June 2024: Premiere of "Gypsy-Rose: Life After Lock Up"
June 2024 saw the premiere of "Gypsy-Rose: Life After Lock Up," a docuseries on Lifetime that chronicled Blanchard's life following her release from prison. The series offered a glimpse into her journey toward rebuilding her life and navigating the challenges of re-entering society.
July 9, 2024: Announcing Pregnancy with Ken Urker
On July 9, 2024, Blanchard shared the news of her pregnancy with Ken Urker. The baby is expected in January 2025.
2024: "Gypsy Rose: Love After Lockup" Premiere
In 2024, Gypsy-Rose Blanchard's own reality show, "Gypsy Rose: Love After Lockup," debuted on Lifetime, documenting her life after her release from prison.
January 2025: Expected Birth of Child with Ken Urker
Gypsy-Rose Blanchard and Ken Urker's first child is due in January 2025.