Maci Bookout Shares What She Hopes for Her Son, Bentley

“Teen Mom: The Next Chapter” star Maci Bookout shared what she hopes for her 16-year-old son, Bentley, whom she shares with her ex-fiance, Ryan Edwards.

People magazine reported that in “Teen Mom: The Next Chapter” season 2, episode 19, Bookout gifted her son a Jeep for his 16th birthday. While filming a confessional interview, she noted that she got pregnant with her son when she was 16. She said she hoped Bentley did not have to face hardship like she did at a young age.

“When I got pregnant at 16, everything became a challenge. Everything. That’s what I gave up, being able to be a kid. And that’s a big price to pay,” said Bookout during the “Teen Mom: The Next Chapter” episode. “I hope that I have given Bentley the tools to make different decisions for himself and I hope he has like a whole handful, at least, of years to be completely selfish. That’s what I hope for him.”

Maci Bookout Spoke About Her Son Turning 16

During a January 2025 interview with Access Hollywood, Bookout spoke about her son turning 16. She said the situation “does feel like a full circle moment,” as she began filming for the “Teen Mom” franchise at the age Bentley is now.

“I remember when I was pregnant with Bentley and in his early years I would think, when he’s 16, I’ll be this age. But at that time, that seems like a lifetime away. Like, we would never get here. And like I blinked twice. And here we are. It’s definitely surreal,” said Bookout to the publication.

She also told Access Hollywood that she is proud of Edwards for maintaining his sobriety following his past struggles with substance abuse.

“It’s amazing. It’s just so nice to see him be who he was always meant to be. And enjoying life and gaining his confidence. And just to see him know that he’s good enough, know that he deserves this, it’s been amazing,” said Bookout.

Maci Bookout Spoke Positively of Ryan Edwards’ Relationship With Amanda Conner

Bookout spoke positively of Edwards and his fiancee, Amanda Conner, the mother of his youngest child, Presley, during a January 2025 interview with E! News. The couple welcomed Presley in January 2025.

“She has been a game-changer, honestly. We’re very close friends and she’s just got really great energy. She’s very authentic and she genuinely loves and cares about Ryan and Bentley so obviously that’s all I could ever ask for,” said Bookout to E! News.

Bookout also said that Edwards’ romance with Conner is the first time Bentley has seen his father in a positive relationship in a January 2025 interview with In Touch Weekly. Edwards was previously married to his estranged wife, Mackenzie Standifer, the mother of his children, Jagger and Stella.

“I don’t think that he has ever been able to actually witness his dad be in real true love and be, you know, taken care of and respected and loved. And to also see his dad be able to give that back. So I love them together,” said Bookout during the interview.