Cait Fairbanks has something joyful to celebrate off-screen. The Young and the Restless star, who portrays Tessa Porter, revealed she’s officially engaged to her longtime boyfriend, musician and producer Jay Rudolph. Fairbanks shared a photo of her sparkling ring against vibrant fall foliage, followed by a sweet shot of the two of them glowing right after the proposal. Rudolph shared the same moment on his Instagram Stories, captioning it simply: “She said ‘yes.’”

Key Takeaways

• Cait Fairbanks announced her engagement to musician Jay Rudolph.
• The couple has been together since 2020 and recently celebrated five years.
• Their real-life romance is thriving even as Tessa faces turmoil on Y&R.

Creative Partnership That Sparked Love

Fairbanks has been a standout on Y&R since 2017, earning three Daytime Emmy nominations — one for acting and two for songwriting. Her musical talent extends beyond Genoa City, and Rudolph fits seamlessly into that world. He plays drums and keyboards, produces music, and has toured with artists like Weyes Blood and Nick Waterhouse.

Their relationship began in October 2020, and they’ve been documenting their milestones ever since. Last year, Fairbanks posted a collection of photos and videos honoring their anniversary — goofy clips, red-carpet moments, and glimpses of their everyday life. “Love my honey,” she wrote. “Thanks for the best four years.”

Real-Life Joy While Tessa Faces Fictional Turmoil

Fairbanks’s real-life engagement stands in sharp contrast to the turmoil unfolding for Tessa on Y&R. While Tessa navigates a strained marriage with Mariah (Camryn Grimes) — including distance, trauma recovery, and a complicated kiss and growing relationship with Daniel (Michael Graziadei) — Fairbanks is experiencing clarity, comfort, and celebration in her personal life.

 

Her fans get the best of both worlds: a character immersed in soap-level drama and an actress stepping into a happily-ever-after she’s long deserved. Soap Hub sends its congratulations to the happy couple!