After serving seven years of a 10-year sentence, Gypsy Rose Blanchard was released from prison on Thursday, Dec. 28. In 2016, she was convicted of second-degree murder regarding the killing of her mother, Claudine "Dee Dee" Blanchard, which took place in June 2015. Gypsy had been physically and mentally abused by Dee Dee and was a victim of factitious disorder by proxy (previously known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy), which is described by the Mayo Clinic as "when someone falsely claims that another person has physical or psychological signs or symptoms of illness, or causes injury or disease in another person with the intention of deceiving others." Gypsy was treated for illnesses that she didn't actually have and underwent many unnecessary procedures.
After being victimized by her mother for years, Gypsy planned Dee Dee's murder along with her then-boyfriend Nick Godejohn, who stabbed Dee Dee to death. Godejohn was sentenced to life in prison without parole after being convicted of first-degree murder.
RELATED: Fans Are Demanding a Netflix Boycott Over This "Disgraceful" True Crime Series.
Now, Gypsy has been released and has opened up both about her regrets and about her plans for the future.
"I'm ready for freedom," she told People just prior to the end of her sentence. "I'm ready to expand and I think that goes for every facet of my life." The 32-year-old also expressed regret over the murder plot, saying of her mother, "She didn't deserve that. She was a sick woman and unfortunately I wasn't educated enough to see that. She deserved to be where I am, sitting in prison doing time for criminal behavior."
Gypsy—who along with Dee Dee received generous support from charities due to her alleged illnesses, including muscular dystrophy and leukemia—also said, "If I had another chance to redo everything, I don't know if I would go back to when I was a child and tell my aunts and uncles that I'm not sick and mommy makes me sick. Or, if I would travel back to just the point of that conversation with Nick and tell him, 'You know what, I'm going to go tell the police everything.' I kind of struggle with that."
Today, Gypsy is married to Ryan Anderson, a teacher she wed in 2022 while in prison. "We're in love," she told People. "When I'm at home with my family, with my husband's arms around me and I'm surrounded by my loved ones, that is when I will be happy."
Gypsy will be telling her story in the Lifetime docuseries The Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, which premieres Jan. 5. She is also publishing an e-book, Released: Conversations on the Eve of Freedom, on Jan. 9.
She told People that she wants to share her story, because it could help others who are in abusive situations. "I want to make sure that people in abusive relationships do not resort to murder," she said. "It may seem like every avenue is closed off but there is always another way. Do anything, but don't take this course of action."
Additionally, Gypsy hopes to meet one of her favorite musicians, Taylor Swift, after being released. She told TMZ that she and Anderson have tickets for the Kansas City Chiefs' Dec. 31 game—Swift is dating tight end Travis Kelce and often attends games. If this doesn't work out, Gypsy said that she would like to attend Swift's October 2024 Eras Tour concert in New Orleans.
For more celebrity news delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
Lia Beck Lia Beck is a writer living in Richmond, Virginia. In addition to Best Life, she has written for Refinery29, Bustle, Hello Giggles, InStyle, and more.Read moreFiled UnderCelebrities • Entertainment • News • True CrimeRead This NextThe 6 Most Binge-Worthy True Crime Podcasts
These podcasts will have you on the edge of your seat—and jumping at the chance to hear more.December 24, 2022Fans Boycotting Netflix Over This Series
A miniseries about Jeffrey Dahmer is getting backlash from one victim's family members, among others.September 28, 20226 Movies About True Hollywood Crimes
These films dramatize some of the most notorious events in Hollywood history.December 31, 2022Pamela Anderson Slams "Pam & Tommy"
The actor opens up about the infamous sex tape in her new memoir and documentary.January 18, 2023Court Allows Manson Family Member Release
She was convicted for the 1969 LaBianca murders, which took place when she was 19.May 31, 20238 Reality Stars Who've Gone to Prison
<em>Real Housewives</em> star Jen Shah was just sentenced to six-and-a-half years.January 6, 20235 Celebrities Who Have Done Real Time in Prison
Celebrities Who Did TimeDecember 19, 2022Manson Family Killer Has Been Released
After serving over 50 years in prison, the convicted murderer was released on parole.July 12, 2023Murder of '80s Sitcom Star Changed Laws
Rebecca Schaeffer was killed by an obsessed fan who'd be stalking her for years.December 30, 2022John Lennon's Killer Reveals His Motive
Mark David Chapman was denied parole again.November 8, 2022
