Why Jill Whelan Swapped La Glamour For Arizona Charm

Jill Whelan's Move to Arizona: A Fresh Chapter

Jill Whelan, the beloved actress who captured hearts as Vicki Stubing on 'The Love Boat,' has left the bustling streets of Los Angeles behind for the sun-soaked charm of Arizona. And she's not regretting a thing. "My sister and her husband also decided to move to Arizona, so they stayed with us and they're just about to move out into their place," Whelan shared with People. The Whelan family seems to be making Arizona their new home base, with Jill's son attending school in Tucson and her mom settled comfortably nearby.

A Family Affair

Whelan, who shares son Harrison, 28, with ex-husband Brad St. John, and son Grant, 21, with ex-husband Michael Chaykowsky, has fully embraced her new life alongside her husband, Jeff Knapple, whom she married in 2017. They've recently completed a home renovation, adding to the fresh start vibe. "It's been awesome. We are really happy here. It's a beautiful place," she gushed, highlighting the vibrant culture and growing community in her new hometown.

“There’s great culture and the community is growing. My mom is here, we have two sons [who] are already there. We're recruiting everybody else – and we're recruiting hard.”

Embracing the Arizona Lifestyle

Beyond family ties, Jill has been enjoying the local amenities, including a gym that boasts a steam room, sauna, and yes, even a cold plunge. Although initially hesitant about the cold dip, Jill found it invigorating and plans to work her way up to a full minute.

In addition to settling in, Jill recently hosted a memorable Mother’s Day brunch in Scottsdale, praising the local eatery for its exceptional service and delectable dishes on Instagram. It's clear that Jill Whelan has found a new groove in Arizona, albeit with fond memories of her time on 'The Love Boat.'

Reflecting on 'The Love Boat' Days

While Jill has embraced her new lifestyle, she fondly recalls her days as Vicki Stubing. "I miss the camaraderie, I miss the fellowship [and] I miss the paycheck," she joked about the iconic series during a podcast appearance. But for now, her focus is on family and soaking in all that her new Arizona life has to offer.