“Know that you’re not alone,” the ‘Rock the Block’ host wrote in a vulnerable Instagram post recently
Phillip Faraone/Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Ty Pennington recently opened up about the “cycle of heartbreak and hopelessness” he experienced
- The star’s vulnerable message on Instagram garnered a number of supportive comments from fellow HGTV stars
- In the caption, he also thanked his wife of four years, Kellee Merrell, for being there for him through it all
Ty Pennington is getting candid with his followers.
In a vulnerable message shared to Instagram last month, the HGTV star, 61, opened up about going through a “cycle of heartbreak and hopelessness" alongside a photo of him and his wife of four years, Kellee Merrell, taken on their wedding day.
“It’s been a heck of a month 💔… a year… hell, a decade! If you’re feeling stuck in a cycle of heartbreak and hopelessness, know that you’re not alone,” he began in the caption.
Referring to his wife, he added, “And yet through it all, I’m immensely grateful to have someone to weather the storm ❤️ Hold your loved ones close. Sending love to everyone who needs it right now.”
Ty Pennington/Instagram
Clearly resonating with others, his message prompted a number of fellow HGTV stars to weigh in on the topic.
His former Trading Spaces costar Vern Yip wrote in the comments section: “Beautifully and wisely said. Sending love to you and all that need it ❤️.”
Luxe for Less star Anthony Elle added, “Sending love right back to you! Beautiful picture btw❤️.”
Billy Baldwin also appeared to be moved by Pennington’s caption.
“Thank you Ty. Feels that way for so many. Been tough on our kids,” the actor commented. “Praying for their health. Present, positive, productive, and peace for us all in 2026.”
Most recently, the HGTV star took to social media again to share his appreciation for his wife in a funny Valentine’s Day tribute.
Ty Pennington/Instagram
The Feb. 14 Instagram post included a screenshot of one of his text conversations with Merrell, in which she reminds him not to chew so loudly.
“I do really love you,” she wrote, to which Pennington responded, “Well. You’re my everything, literally. So please, love me even when I chew loudly.”
Merrell then replied, “I do,” followed by, “But I don’t want you to embarrass yourself so I remind you.”
Ty Pennington/Instagram
In the caption, Pennington joked: “Happy love day friends! Love the one you’re with… even when they chew loudly 😂🫠❤️ #truelove”
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Pennington and Merrell, a social media manager originally from Vancouver, celebrated their four-year wedding anniversary in November.
The pair first met in Toronto in 2010, and later reconnected in 2020 after remaining friends over the years. They eventually began dating and even quarantined together during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In July 2021, Pennington popped the question over morning coffee on the dock of his home in Palm Coast, Fla., his rep told PEOPLE at the time. The HGTV star later shared the happy news on Instagram. The couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at their Georgia home that same year.
If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
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