Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Bristol Palin, Levi Johnston: Engaged Again! [UPDATE]
By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 14, 2010
Modified Jul 14, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 14, 2010
Modified Jul 14, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
[UPDATE BELOW with Palin family statement] Is this yet another sign that Sarah Palin really is running in 2012? The former Alaska governor and Republican vice presidential candidate's daughter says she and Levi Johnston are engaged again. Bristol Palin, who has an 18-month-old son, Tripp, with Johnston and whose out-of-wedlock pregnancy became a 2008 campaign talking point and tabloid obsession (and RNC prop), told US Weekly, "We got engaged two weeks ago. It felt right, even though we don’t have the approval of our parents."
Yes, that's right—apparently the Palins and Johnston's parents had no clue those crazy kids were back together: "Bristol and Levi, 20 -- who famously called off their previous engagement two weeks after welcoming son Tripp in December 2008 -- tell Us Weekly they reconnected three months ago while working out a custody plan for their 18-month-old son." Johnston has trashtalked the Palins quite a bit, only to recently apologize publicly that he uttered "mistruths." The 20-year-old "Sex on Skates" and Playgirl centerfold said, "I really thought we were over. So when I went, I had no hope. I think we both just started talking — and then we took Tripp for a walk."
Bristol Palin added, "When he left that night, we didn’t hug or kiss, but I was thinking how different it was. He texted me: 'I miss you. I love you. I want to be with you again' ... I was in shock." She also said of the fact that her famous mother doesn't know, "It is intimidating and scary just to think about what her reaction is going to be. Hopefully she will jump on board." We await word from the Mama Grizzly.
Update: The Mama Grizzly has spoken, sorta: While all is quiet on Sarah Palin's Twitter and Facebook accounts, she and Todd released a statement:
"Bristol, at 19, is now a young adult. As parents we obviously want what is best for our children, but Bristol is ultimately in charge of determining what is best for her and her beautiful son.
Bristol believes in redemption and forgiveness to a degree most of us struggle to put in practice in our daily lives.
We pray that, as a couple, Bristol and Levi's relationship matures into one that will allow Tripp to grow up graced with two loving parents in his life."
Speaking of forgiveness, Bristol Palin told People that Johnston will have to work overtime to win Sarah's approval, "With her, his actions will have to speak louder than words. And he'll have to get his education and a job and be willing to support Tripp the right way. And then I think she'll come around." And the "right way" is "not just have him around when the cameras are around but be there all the time and have a legitimate job and be supportive financially and just set a good example for him."
Tagged
Bristol Palin
engagement
Levi Johnston
sarah palin
Tripp Johnston
young love
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Central Park birders, others remember 63-year-old woman killed in park
People who knew her said she was an artist and a familiar presence in the Ramble.
By
Charles Lane
Published Sep 28, 2026 at 7:04 p.m. ET
Dump truck driver hits and kills cyclist on 34th Street in Midtown, NYPD says
It's the latest in a string of hit-and-run deaths in the city in recent months.
By
Liam Quigley
News
Dump truck driver hits and kills cyclist on 34th Street in Midtown, NYPD says
It's the latest in a string of hit-and-run deaths in the city in recent months.
By
Liam Quigley
New ingredient mandated for Latin American kitchen, restaurant plates in NJ
By
Arya Sundaram
A Brooklyn jail cell filled with smoke. The emergency button failed, a lawyer said.
By
Samantha Max
Crews launch tunnel machines to dig first new Hudson River rail tunnels since 1910
By
Michael Sol Warren
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .