Zak Bagans' Love Story: From Christine Dolce to His On-Again, Off-Again Journey with Holly Madison

Zak Bagans, the compelling and often intense host of the wildly popular Travel Channel series Ghost Adventures, has built an empire around his fearless exploration of the paranormal. From confronting menacing entities in haunted locations to curating a museum filled with cursed artifacts, Bagans’ public persona is synonymous with the supernatural. While his professional life is an open book for millions of viewers, his romantic journey has largely remained a more private affair, occasionally surfacing into the public eye through significant, high-profile relationships that have captivated his fanbase. These rare glimpses into his personal connections offer a fascinating contrast to his on-screen battles with the unknown, revealing a more nuanced aspect of the paranormal investigator.

One of the earlier relationships publicly linked to Zak Bagans was with makeup artist and model Christine Dolce, a figure known for her internet presence in the early 2010s. Reports and social media indications suggested a connection between Bagans and Dolce, with some sources even citing her Twitter bio as identifying her as his girlfriend. However, a tweet from Bagans on April 1, 2014, wishing her a "happy day to a new beginning" led to some public confusion, with many speculating it might have been an April Fool's Day prank due to its timing. Despite this ambiguity, their association was noted in various celebrity dating histories. Tragically, Christine Dolce passed away in February 2017 due to liver failure, marking a sorrowful chapter in the reported romantic timeline of the Ghost Adventures star. This relationship, while brief and somewhat shrouded in mystery, represents one of the few publicly acknowledged connections prior to his more recent high-profile romance.

Zak Bagans' most extensively documented and high-profile relationship has been with reality television personality and former Playboy model Holly Madison. Their romance first garnered significant media attention when it became public in May 2019, creating a buzz across entertainment news outlets. The genesis of their connection reportedly stemmed from Madison's visit to Bagans' renowned Haunted Museum in Las Vegas, a central hub for his paranormal ventures and a major tourist attraction. This initial encounter between the charismatic paranormal investigator and the well-known Girls Next Door star quickly blossomed into a romantic partnership, intriguing fans of both public figures who were curious about this unexpected pairing.

During the initial phase of their relationship, which spanned approximately two years, Bagans and Madison navigated the complexities of their public lives with a degree of privacy. While they were not overly demonstrative on social media, they were occasionally photographed together at events and offered subtle hints of their shared life. Madison, who has two children from a previous marriage, frequently traveled between her home in Los Angeles and Bagans' base in Las Vegas, accommodating their respective careers and family commitments. However, by early 2021, reports confirmed that Bagans and Madison had decided to go their separate ways, bringing a temporary halt to their widely followed romance. The specific reasons for their initial separation were not extensively detailed, leaving their followers to ponder the future of their relationship.

Despite their initial parting, the deep connection between Zak Bagans and Holly Madison proved resilient, leading to a notable reconciliation that delighted their fans. The couple rekindled their romance and were confirmed to be back together in 2023, reigniting public interest in their unique and evolving relationship. This reunion signaled a renewed commitment and a desire to make their partnership work. During this second, more mature phase of their relationship, Madison openly discussed how Bagans' understanding and acceptance were particularly meaningful, especially in the context of her autism diagnosis at age 42. Her candid revelations shed light on the supportive dynamic they shared.

Madison shared personal insights into how her diagnosis helped her gain a clearer understanding of her own behaviors and social interactions, and she credited Bagans' unwavering support for facilitating this journey of self-discovery. > "I’m lucky enough to be dating somebody who just has always kind of understood me and accepts me for who I am," Madison revealed in a heartfelt interview, underscoring the profound impact of his empathy and patience. She further elaborated, > "I can recognize how I operate the way I do, why I operate the way I do, how I relate to people. I feel like it’s helped my social skills just knowing that." Bagans, according to Madison, was not "super shocked" by the news, indicating a pre-existing deep level of familiarity and comfort that allowed him to accept her fully and without judgment. This period showcased a strong, supportive dynamic, with the couple navigating personal growth and public life together, often appearing as a stable and understanding unit, reflecting a deeper bond than previously perceived.

However, the on-again, off-again pattern that had previously characterized their relationship resurfaced in March 2025, when news broke that Zak Bagans and Holly Madison had once again decided to part ways. This latest split, after approximately six years of an intermittent and publicly scrutinized romance, was confirmed by Bagans himself, who spoke candidly about the separation. Speaking to TMZ, the Ghost Adventures host stated that he was "moving on" from their relationship, signaling a definitive end to this significant chapter in his romantic life. Despite the conclusion of their romantic involvement, Bagans conveyed a respectful and warm sentiment towards Madison, emphasizing the positive aspects and cherished memories they had created together.

"I won’t get into the details, but I’ll just say we have shared so many great memories and fun times," Bagans told the outlet, reflecting on their shared experiences and the bond they formed. He added, > "I’ll always have love in my heart for her and wish the very best for her." This public statement from Bagans indicated an amicable parting, free from animosity, and highlighted his enduring respect and well wishes for Madison. Following this recent breakup, Bagans confirmed that he was actively dating again, embarking on a new phase in his personal life while continuing to dedicate his focus to his highly successful paranormal investigations, television productions, and the ongoing operation of his popular Haunted Museum ventures. The conclusion of their relationship marked a significant and publicly noted point in his romantic journey.

Zak Bagans' romantic history, while not always front-page news, offers a compelling counterpoint to his intense public persona as a paranormal investigator. His relationships, particularly the long-term, on-again, off-again dynamic with Holly Madison, have been characterized by periods of deep connection and significant public interest, interspersed with amicable separations. Bagans has consistently maintained a degree of privacy around his personal life, allowing only glimpses into his romantic endeavors, which aligns with his focused dedication to his career. These relationships, whether brief or enduring, underscore the human element behind the television star, showcasing his navigation of love, partnership, and personal challenges amidst a life consumed by the supernatural. As he continues to explore the mysteries of the unknown, Bagans' romantic narrative remains an evolving story, always approached with a respectful distance from the public eye, yet undeniably a part of his comprehensive personal biography.