His ex may be just getting back into the dating world, but former Jon & Kate Plus 8 star Jon Gosselin is already pretty loved up with his new girlfriend. The star, who’s been dating Colleen Conrad for more than five years, posted the sweetest message for his lady on her birthday. On Monday, June 17, he took to social media to share a tribute to her, letting her know just how he feels.

“Happy Birthday, Colleen!!!” Jon, 42, said on Instagram, sharing a photo of them looking all glammed up from when they attended a wedding earlier in June. “Thank you [for] letting me [be] a part of your life. I appreciate everything you have done for me and my children. I love you very much, and I hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow since you worked all day today!!! Love you. 😍”

The couple has been going strong for over half a decade. Back in July 2015, a source close to the star revealed his new relationship with the Pennsylvania nurse to Us Weekly, mentioning that they’d already been dating for nine months at that point. Over time, Jon himself started opening up and sharing the details with fans. “I’ve known Colleen my whole life,” he said December 2018. “We grew up three blocks from each other. Her sister used to babysit me.”

As Jon’s relationship has grown — and the father of eight has regained custody of two of his kids — the couple have formed their own blended family. And though they’re not ready for the label “step-mom” just yet, Colleen, who has two kids of his own, has become a mother figure to Colin and Hannah Gosselin. “They love her. She’s a great parent,” the former TLC star exclusively told In Touch in December. “They respect her as a mom, too.”

When the holidays rolled around, the nurse, reality star-turned-DJ and four of their kids celebrated together. “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our family to yours!!!” Jon shared on social media. It’s clear this is one happy family. Now, we’re just ready for Jon to put a ring on it.

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