Key Takeaways
- Kelly Mantle found love with James Nanney Jr., a Marine Corps veteran who transitioned into a successful career in film production, with their relationship first becoming public at the 2017 Marine Corps Ball.
- James Nanney Jr. brings a diverse background to their relationship, having served 10.5 years in the Marines (including combat duty in Afghanistan) before pursuing his passion for filmmaking, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Los Angeles Film School in 2024.
- The couple got engaged in 2018, as revealed through James’s June 20th social media post, and while their wedding date isn’t public, they consistently show their strong bond through supportive social media posts celebrating each other’s achievements and milestones.
Kelly Mantle, the multi-talented American performer, has found her perfect match in James Nanney Jr., a distinguished Marine Corps veteran turned film professional.
Their love story beautifully bridges the worlds of entertainment and military service.
The couple first stepped into the spotlight together in November 2017, making their relationship public at the Marine Corps Ball.
Kelly couldn’t contain her excitement, describing the weekend as “magical” with her “amazing sexy boyfriend Sgt. James Nanney, Jr.“
Their relationship quickly evolved from dating to engagement.
On June 20, 2018, James called Kelly his “fiancée,” revealing that they had already taken a step ahead in their relationship.
The caption read,
“to my fiancée and the most amazing woman in the world. She’s my rock and I love her more than anything. I love you so much.”
Via Instagram
The couple’s social media accounts show genuine affection and mutual support.
Kelly frequently celebrates James’s achievements and character, describing him as “brave,” “true,” and her “King.”
On his birthday in 2020, she wrote,
“Happy Birthday to my King who makes every day feel like a rock-n-roll dream.” James matches her devotion, regularly sharing heartfelt messages about “the most amazing woman in the world.”
Via Instagram
James brings an impressive background to their relationship.
A North Carolina native, he served as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps for over a decade, including a combat deployment to Afghanistan’s Helmand Province in 2012.
His military service instilled in him the values of leadership and precision, reflected in his personal mantra:
“If you’re on time, you’re late.”
Via IMDB
After his military service, James pursued his passion for filmmaking at the Los Angeles Film School.
In February 2024, he achieved a significant milestone, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Film Production, specializing in Cinematography.
His creative pursuits extend beyond the camera – James has appeared in music videos for the heavy metal band Ice Nine Kills and works as an editor, writer, and director.
While their wedding date remains private, the couple continues to build their life together in Los Angeles.
James balances his film career with leisure activities like golf and following his favorite teams – the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Braves.
Kelly pursues her diverse artistic endeavors with James standing proudly by her side.
Their relationship demonstrates how love can bridge different worlds, bringing together the discipline of military service, the creativity of entertainment, and the passion of filmmaking.
As they move forward in their journey together, Kelly Mantle and James Nanney Jr. prove that authentic love knows no bounds.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Kelly Mantle is an American actor, singer-songwriter, comedian, musician, drag queen, and reality TV personality, best known for competing on the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
- Born in Oklahoma City and raised in New Cordell, Oklahoma, Mantle is of Cherokee descent and has a BFA in Theatre from the University of Oklahoma. Her uncle was the legendary baseball player Mickey Mantle.
- Mantle made history as a genderfluid performer when the Academy considered her for both supporting actor and actress awards for her role in Confessions of a Womanizer.
