Bristol Palin and her ex-fiancé Levi Johnston had a tumultuous relationship, but they remain committed to prioritizing their son Tripp.
“We share the common goal of what’s best for Tripp. It has taken time, but we are making progress,” Bristol shared with Us Weekly in November 2018.
Bristol, the eldest daughter of former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, announced her pregnancy at 17. She briefly got engaged to Johnston during her pregnancy but they split shortly after Tripp was born.
Afterward, Bristol moved to Texas where she coparents two daughters with ex-husband Dakota Meyer, while Johnston stayed in Alaska.
The Palin family has attracted media attention since Sarah’s vice-presidential run in 2008. Bristol, Sarah’s eldest daughter, has made headlines for her relationships with Levi Johnston and her ex-husband Dakota Meyer. Recently, she joined the cast of Teen Mom OG, adding more to her public profile.
Bristol explained that Tripp frequently travels to Alaska and spends summers there, maintaining a strong bond with Johnston. “Tripp goes there pretty often, especially during long weekends. They have a solid relationship, and Levi is a great dad,” she mentioned in 2018.
In August 2024, Bristol disclosed that Tripp expressed a desire to live with his father full-time.
Continue reading for a timeline of Bristol and Levi’s relationship:
September 2008
Bristol’s pregnancy drew significant media attention during her mother’s vice-presidential campaign. Later that year, she and Levi became engaged.
December 2008
Bristol gave birth to Tripp just three months before separating from Johnston.
July 2010
Bristol revealed that she and Levi briefly reconciled for three weeks.
“I thought we were done for good,” Levi shared, adding that their conversation led them to take Tripp for a walk together.
March 2015
Bristol began dating Dakota Meyer and quickly got engaged while pregnant with their daughter, Sailor. However, they split shortly before their wedding in April 2015.
Bristol’s love life has been filled with ups and downs, from broken engagements to motherhood.
June 2016
Eventually, Bristol and Dakota reconciled and married secretly. They welcomed their second daughter, Atlee, nine months before their February 2018 divorce.
October 2017
Levi moved on as well, marrying Sunny Oglesby after a year of dating. The couple, who wedded in Alaska, welcomed four daughters together.
February 2018
Levi fought for joint custody over Tripp for seven years, during which Bristol alleged he owed her $66,000 in child support. A formal custody request was granted in February.
“I’m thrilled to have my son in my life and to put the court battles behind us,” Levi expressed via Facebook. “Although I’ve faced significant legal costs, the effort has been worth it. I’m happy to be coparenting successfully.”
He added, “Despite owing some back child support, my total contribution amounts to $50,000, $600 monthly since Tripp’s birth. I’ve always been involved in his life, attending school events and spending quality time with my kids. Life is looking promising for us.”
Bristol Palin began her journey as a mother at a young age, navigating life with her children while in the public eye.
October 2018
Meyer praised Johnston’s parenting, saying, “Levi is an incredible dad to Tripp, and I consider him a friend.”
Meyer also commended Sunny, saying she is a devoted mother who genuinely cares.
August 2024
On the “Sex, Lies and Spray Tans” podcast, Bristol expressed that living apart from Tripp has been “gut-wrenching.”
“It’s always been just Tripp and I, along with my daughters. He needs that father-son relationship, and while it’s difficult for me and my girls, I must hope that this is the best for him,” she stated.
Bristol added, “Selfishly, I want him with me forever. He’s my best friend. My children are everything to me, but I can’t be selfish about this.”
