90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?starJulia Trubkinarevealed painful news about her life after losing her only“son.” She began her journey as a reality TV star during90 Day Fiancéseason 8.Julia moved from Russiato a small town in Virginia to marry Brandon Gibbs.She was disappointed about having to live with Brandon’s parentson their farm.
Meanwhile,Brandon had not forgiven Julia for cheating on him when they were on a break.Julia not wanting a babyalso upset him. He didn’t want Julia to bring her parents to the U.S. either. After trying to undergo couples therapy for their issues onThe Last Resort,Julia and Brandon will be seen in90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?season 9next.
Julia has finally announced she’s a part of the spin-off and, while teasing her season, shared a bittersweet memory.
Juliashared an Instagram album post captioned, “No spoilers about our story, what we shared with you and what we went through!”and added that what fans were going to watch was “reality TV.” In the carousel,one picture showedJulia and Brandon engaged in a serious conversation with cameras filming them in the living room and their dogs lying at their feet.
One of Julia’s followers,@Pwchantal, said, “The dog chilling with the cameraman. Aww he just wants to be part of the journey.” Julia replied to the fan’s well-meaning comment with, “He was always next to me. This will be so hard to watch.” The fan had not realized that the dog was Julia’s “son,” Simba, who passed away from a sudden stroke.
What It Means For Julia Trubkina To Watch Happily Ever After Season 9
Brandon & Julia’s Rocky Marriage Is Tested After Simba’s Death
Julia and Brandon seem to have filmedHappily Ever After?season 9 sometime last year, before Simba passed away in May 2025. Julia adopted Simba, a German Shepherd, from her husband Brandon’s family farm and lovingly referred to him as her “son.” In April 2025,Simba suffered a sudden stroke, losing mobility and appetite.
Vets even recommended euthanasia, but Julia and Brandon refused to give up. They cared for him around the clock. They carried him outside, assisting him with meals and mobility, and, miraculously, Simba began to improve. He regained strength and prepared for a second surgery. Sadly,Simba’s health declined, leading to his untimely death. It appears Simba and Julia’s other dog, Nala, filmed extensively forHappily Ever Afterseason 9.
Julia and Brandon’s relationship was on the rocks despite their couples' therapy sessions. Brandon did not appreciate Julia filing her parents’ visa documentation behind his back. He was still not over the cheating incident and treated his wife unfairly.Simba and Nala were Julia’s only companionsas she navigated the difficult marriage. Julia’s refusal to give “spoilers” about the season might indicate things are about to get worse.
Our Take On Julia’s “Son” Being Featured In Happily Ever After Season 9
Julia Is Heartbroken Over Loss of Beloved Dog Simba
Simba was Julia’s first friend when she came to America and had been with her through thick and thin. Julia has faced several highs and lows in the last five years, but losing Simba was something she never expected.Watching him on90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?will make her look back at the happy moments she spent with Simba but also break her heartbecause he’s not there with her anymore.
90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?season 9 premieres Sunday, August 11, 2025, at 8 p.m. EDT on TLC.
90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?
Cast
90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? follows the lives of couples from the original 90 Day Fiancé series as they navigate married life. The show explores the challenges, cultural adjustments, and evolving relationships these couples face post-marriage. It provides an in-depth look at how their dynamics change beyond the initial 90-day visa period and continues the narrative of their pursuit of a lasting union.
