'She Had To Be in the Limelight': Gypsy Rose Blanchard Invited to Ken Urker's Funeral Despite Sister's Public Criticism

Gypsy Rose Blanchard has been invited to the funeral of her former fiancé, 34-year-old Ken Urker, who was found dead at his home in Louisiana on 1 October, despite an ongoing public clash with one of his sisters. According to reports, most of Urker's family in Texas, where he was from, still want Blanchard there for the service.

TMZ reported that Blanchard has remained on good terms with the majority of Urker's relatives, while his sister Autumn has been openly critical of her. The outlet said Urker's mother, Raina, does not blame Blanchard for his death and that the family, aside from Autumn, has maintained a positive relationship with her.

Funeral Invitation Amid Family Dispute

Blanchard is reportedly willing to attend the Texas funeral, although she also wants to arrange a separate service in Louisiana so members of her own family who cannot travel can pay their respects.

Before the funeral plans were announced, Blanchard and several of Urker's relatives had already gathered for a private viewing in Louisiana. According to reports, Urker's mother, brother and two sisters attended that gathering, while Autumn was not present.

The private viewing also brought Blanchard and the couple's young daughter, Aurora, together with Urker's relatives. According to the report, Aurora recognised her father during the viewing and called him 'Daddy'.

Blanchard was also given private time to say goodbye, while relatives later gathered for a meal and discussed arrangements for Urker's dog, whom sources say will be taken home by one of Urker's siblings.

Autumn Urker Has Publicly Criticised Blanchard

Autumn has made clear that she does not share the same relationship with Blanchard as other members of the family. In comments reported by Us Weekly and Parade, she criticised Blanchard's statements following Urker's death and said relatives had been upset by what had been said publicly.

She also claimed that Blanchard had not contacted her mother or other family members directly, telling the Daily Mail, 'We are disgusted with her statements! She hasn't even called my mother or any of us yet.'

Blanchard has responded to Autumn's statement, saying she does not want disagreements with Autumn to dominate attention after Urker's death. Speaking to Us Weekly, Blanchard said there had been longstanding tension between them and said she remained in contact with other members of his family.

'At this time, I do not want the focus surrounding Ken's passing to become centered on negativity or disagreements between Autumn and me,' the 35-year-old told the publication.

'It is no secret that Autumn did not approve of Ken's relationship with me, and there has been significant tension between us, including public comments she made about me in the months leading up to his passing.'

Blanchard also disputed the idea that she should be excluded from discussions surrounding Urker, while emphasising that her priority was grieving and supporting their daughter. 'Right now, my priority is grieving Ken, supporting our daughter and honoring his memory,' she said.

'I remain in communication with Ken's family, and aside from my relationship with Autumn, those communications have been positive and respectful during an incredibly painful time.'

Questions Remain Over Urker's Final Days

Urker was found dead at his Raceland, Louisiana, home on 1 October, his 34th birthday. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office said there was no evidence of foul play at the scene, while the cause of death had not been publicly established as of the latest reports.

The circumstances have also led to conflicting accounts of the couple's relationship shortly before Urker died.

Autumn said they had separated, while Blanchard maintained that their relationship remained significant and later described their final conversations. It was reported that sources close to the pair said they had been spending time apart but had plans to reunite and move into a new home.