Entertainment TV Katie Thurston Receives Loving Birthday Tribute from Boyfriend John Hersey: 'Extremely Grateful' "Thank goodness you dumped me on national television, or else we could have never gotten to where we are now," John Hersey wrote in his birthday tribute for Katie Thurston By Dory Jackson Dory Jackson Dory Jackson is an Associate Editor for PEOPLE's digital TV team. While at the brand, she's had the opportunity to interview a long list of celebrities, from Kate Hudson to Pierce Brosnan to Billy Porter. She has also helped recap popular TV shows like 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,' 'Sister Wives' and 'Vanderpump Rules.' The New York-based Maryland native graduated from Randolph-Macon College in May 2016 with a focus on Communication Studies and Journalism. She came to PEOPLE in March 2021 after working at a number of major news companies, including Newsweek and Us Weekly. People Editorial Guidelines Published on January 3, 2022 04:29PM EST Photo: Kayla DeLaura Former Bachelorette Katie Thurston is feeling all the love from her boyfriend John Hersey on her 31st birthday. On Monday, the 28-year-old ex-Bachelorette contestant celebrated Thurston with a loving Instagram tribute. His caption was accompanied by a photo of the pair kissing under the mistletoe last month at pal Stephen Lovegrove's First Noelle Ball in San Diego, California. "I could have never dreamt up what this year had in store for me," he wrote. "I am both in awe of, and extremely grateful for the circumstances that brought us together. And thank goodness you dumped me on national television, or else we could have never gotten to where we are now." Hersey added, "Falling for you was the best decision I never had a say in, and I couldn't be happier. Cheers to another year around the sun — happy birthday beautiful girl!!" Blake Moynes Reacts to Ex Katie Thurston Moving on with John Hersey, Talks 'Emotional Cheating' Showing her appreciation for the post, Thurston wrote alongside a red heart emoji: "I sure do love you." The couple is celebrating Thurston's birthday together in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. On her Instagram Story, she shared a video featuring dozens of balloons arranged by Hersey and their friends. Both Thurston and Hersey also posted various videos from their night out, including some from their time at a local bar called Saloon Cabo. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Thurston and Hersey met on her Bachelorette season early last year but she sent him home in week 2. The Washington native got engaged to Blake Moynes in the season 17 finale, though they announced their split in October. "It is with mutual love and respect that we have decided to go our separate ways," their joint Instagram statement read. "We are so grateful for the moments we shared together and the entire journey that has unfolded this year, but we ultimately have concluded that we are not compatible as life partners, and it is the most caring choice for both of us to move forward independently." "We ask for kindness and privacy as we both navigate this transition," they added. "Both of us will forever want the best for one another and ask you to please support us in our decision." One month later, Thurston's rep confirmed to PEOPLE that she is dating Hersey. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "It's known Katie and John became close friends post-season," the rep said in a statement. "John has been there for her through all the major changes in her life and they are excited to explore this newly found romantic connection." The pair have since put their love on full display with PDA-filled social media posts and while attending the 2021 People's Choice Awards together. Recently, Thurston got to celebrate Hersey's own birthday with a sweet Instagram tribute. "Cheers to you handsome 🥂," she wrote. "28 looks good on you already 😘 🤍 Happy birthday! 🐕 🐈⬛ 👩🏻❤️👨🏻 Celebrating you is easy!"