Just hours after Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift broke the internet with their surprise engagement announcement, Kelce’s former partner Kayla Nicole took to Instagram to share a cryptic and emotional message about choosing “joy.”
The media personality, who dated Kelce on and off for five years between 2017 and 2022, reshared a video to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday (August 27), featuring actress Tracee Ellis Ross discussing the difference between joy and happiness.
“I work at it,” Ross says in the video clip, originally from a panel appearance. “I think joy is different from happiness. I feel like happiness is something you can get at 7-Eleven, and joy is something that you earn and work for and takes practice.”
Nicole, 33, added her own reflections underneath the video. “Read about this concept years ago in a book called Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn’t Enough,” she wrote, referencing the popular self-help title by Kay Warren. “I aspire. So so good.”
It was a carefully worded but unmistakably timed post—coming in the immediate aftermath of Kelce and Swift’s bombshell engagement announcement, which has dominated headlines and social media feeds around the world. The couple’s Instagram post, featuring loved-up photos taken in a private garden, was captioned with the line: “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married 🧨.”
The reveal was met with a frenzy online. Within 24 hours, the post had amassed over 26 million likes, with fans and celebrities alike flooding the comments to congratulate the couple. The attention wasn’t just on the relationship, though—the massive diamond ring on Swift’s finger quickly became a talking point, with experts valuing it at an estimated $1 million.
Amid the global celebration, Nicole’s followers quickly picked up on her poignant and introspective message, interpreting it as a graceful and empowering response to the news.
Ross’s comments in the clip Nicole shared continued: “I feel like joy has legs. I feel like joy has feet. I feel like joy has roots. I feel like joy creates space and allows room for more than just a good day.” The Black-ish star added, “I think joy is an attitude. I think joy is a perspective and I think joy is a lens through which I live and look at my life.”
The sentiment seemed to resonate deeply with Nicole, who has openly spoken in the past about navigating the emotional aftermath of a major breakup. Though she has rarely mentioned Kelce by name since their split, she has alluded to the difficulty of moving forward and the intense scrutiny that came with dating a high-profile NFL star—especially as he began a widely publicised new relationship with the world’s biggest pop star.
In April 2025, Nicole spoke candidly on her podcast The Pre-Game, discussing heartbreak and infidelity without naming names. In one particularly raw episode, she described the emotional toll of discovering a partner’s betrayal and the “insecurities” that linger long after.
Then in May, Nicole made headlines again when she addressed the backlash she receives whenever she brings up her past relationship.
“People are always like, ‘Get over it,’” she said during an episode of the Second Wind Podcast. “But I’m allowed to share my story. That’s my superpower—telling my truth.”
At the time, many interpreted the remarks as another reference to her relationship with Kelce, which had become a subject of renewed interest thanks to his highly publicised romance with Swift. Nicole even joked on her podcast that in some ways, Kelce’s new relationship “made her look good.”
“There’s no problem admitting your ex’s new girl might be popping, might be s–t, might be really hot,” she said, without naming Swift. “It’s so much worse if the guy that you loved and you dated for so long and you’re so heartbroken over goes and dates a dud.”
She also credited therapy for helping her rebuild her life after the split. “It was life-changing,” Nicole said. “I got to a point where I had to ask myself, ‘What do I need to survive this?’ And for me, the answer was help. Real help.”
Now, with Kelce and Swift stepping into a new chapter of their life together, Nicole’s latest post serves as a quiet but pointed reminder of the work she’s done to prioritise her own peace, growth, and resilience. Rather than wallowing in comparison or bitterness, Nicole seems intent on embracing what she’s previously described as “a new level of peace.”
That said, the proximity of her message to the engagement news wasn’t lost on her followers. Comment sections lit up with support, with many praising her poise and grace.
One follower wrote: “Class act. Kayla is glowing and choosing herself every time.”
Another commented: “She’s reminding everyone that healing is possible and joy is a choice. So powerful.”
Nicole and Kelce first began dating in 2017, following a brief interaction on Instagram. Their relationship played out in public, with frequent red carpet appearances and sideline sightings. For a while, they were one of the NFL’s most talked-about couples. However, the relationship experienced turbulence in later years, with multiple breakups before an apparent final split in 2022.
Since then, Nicole has carved out her own path, hosting podcasts, modelling for athletic brands, and speaking out on issues around mental health and women’s empowerment. While she has continued to field questions about her ex and his new relationship, she has largely refrained from direct comments or criticism—opting instead to share content that reflects her own personal growth.
In recent months, she’s also hinted at new creative projects, including a potential book deal and wellness platform aimed at helping other women navigate heartbreak and rediscover confidence.
Meanwhile, Kelce and Swift’s whirlwind relationship continues to capture the public imagination. The pair were first romantically linked in 2023, after Swift was spotted attending multiple Kansas City Chiefs games. Their chemistry was undeniable—both on the field and off—and their public appearances quickly became tabloid staples.
The surprise announcement featured a series of intimate photos taken in a sunlit garden, with Swift’s engagement ring catching immediate attention. Experts from Rare Carat and Abelini have since estimated the diamond to be between 7 and 10 carats, set in a vintage-inspired Old Mine Brilliant Cut—a style popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. The ring’s value? A staggering $1 million.
Yet beyond the sparkle, the post was notable for its simple caption and warm tone—perfectly in line with the couple’s public image of love without pretense.
As fans continue to pore over the details—tracing proposal timelines, decoding Taylor’s lyrics, and celebrating every photo—Kayla Nicole’s choice to speak about joy, not jealousy, feels both admirable and wise. Rather than offering bitterness or sarcasm, she’s offered perspective—one rooted not in fame, but in growth.
And in an age where exes so often go public with grudges and passive-aggressive digs, Nicole’s message stands apart. In choosing joy, she hasn’t just protected her peace—she’s reminded everyone watching that true empowerment lies not in how you’re perceived, but in how you heal.
As Taylor and Travis plan their future together, Nicole’s fans are rallying behind her, eager to see what’s next. Whether it’s a book, a new podcast series, or simply more reflections on life and love, it’s clear that Kayla Nicole’s story is far from over.
