Lindsey Stirling Admits She Had Feelings For Gavi: Her Painful Breakups & What She Wants in a Husband

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Lindsey Stirling is an American violinist, songwriter, and dancer, who has captured the hearts of audiences around the globe. Beyond lighting up stages before thousands of fans, she adds a personal touch by performing at weddings, making those moments even more memorable. Originally from Santa Ana, California, she now calls Los Angeles home, where she continues to dazzle with her one-of-a-kind talent.

While Lindsey, 39, is always in the spotlight for her performances, she keeps her personal life more private. Though she appears to be single at the moment, she’s been open about her past relationships.

She Thought She Would “End Up Together” With Gavi

You know how sometimes you just click with someone and you can’t imagine your future without them? That was Lindsey with Jason Gaviaty, better known as Gavi, her band’s keyboard player. She never really said it out loud, but it was pretty clear she was head over heels for him. She thought they’d end up together. But then life threw a curveball that no one saw coming—Gavi passed away in 2015, right after he’d beaten cancer.

She was devastated. She poured her heart out in a post:

This is so hard to say but Gavi passed away today. I am in shock and my heart is broken. I don’t understand. He was cancer free and home and now he’s gone. (sic)

She talked about him being her best friend and the most optimistic person she’d ever met.

And even now, years later, you can tell she’s not over it. Whenever she talks about him or someone brings him up, there’s this sadness, like a piece of her is still with him.

Lindsey Sterling with Jason Gaviaty (Gavy), who was her band's keyboard player, and the love of her life.
Lindsey and Gavy.

In an interview with Lisa Bilyeu, she admitted she never told him how she felt. And that’s rough. When she thinks of him, she remembers his laugh and how he could light up any room—just make everyone feel better no matter what was going down.

Cheaters or Abusers, She Has Overcome Every Relationship Hurdle Life Has Thrown At Her

Fans of Lindsey probably know her song Survivor isn’t just a track—it’s a personal anthem. Over the years, she has faced her share of rocky relationships, from dealing with cheaters to battling emotional manipulation. Each challenge has only made her stronger.

Take one of her experiences, for example. After three years with someone she thought she’d marry, Stirling was let down hard. She shared on social media about feeling shattered but didn’t reveal the guy’s name. What she did share was her path to bouncing back—finding her self-worth and starting to sparkle again, reminding everyone that it’s possible to heal from the hardest hits.

Before this, Lindsey dated Ryan Weed, whose tendency to create drama before her performances tested her in ways few could withstand. The two were in a romantic relationship for over a year before they split in 2017. She revealed their breakup during an emotional moment on Dancing with the Stars, just a week after their separation.

Lindsey Stirling with her then boyfriend Ryan Weed.
Lindsey and Ryan.

Going back to around 2011, she was with Devin Graham, her ex from her university days, with whom she shared a creative and public romance. Though they parted ways in 2013, they remained on good terms, setting a mature example of how relationships can evolve.

Through every up and down, Lindsey hasn’t just survived; she’s thrived. Turning each pain into a stepping stone, she’s shown her fans that it’s not just about getting through the tough times—it’s about emerging stronger and ready to shine even brighter.

She’s Not Settling Down Until Someone Checks All the Boxes

Aware of her needs after a series of challenging relationships, Lindsey knows exactly what she needs—and she’s not compromising. She discussed her expectations from a future husband in a March 2021 podcast with Whitney Cummings. She has refined her criteria for a soulmate, emphasizing a good sense of humor without overdoing it—comedians are a no-go for her.

She also dreams of starting a family and wants a man who shares that desire. Her affection for dogs is a must-have quality in a significant other, who should be cozy enough with dogs to let them sleep in the bed—just not during intimate moments.

Given her busy tour schedule, flexibility is key. Stirling needs someone who can occasionally visit her on the road but is also okay with her being away. She appreciates someone who is socially independent and can handle social situations without needing her to constantly be by their side.

Lastly, jealousy is a deal-breaker for her, as she works closely with many men and maintains platonic friendships with them.

Above all, Lindsey values a good storyteller—someone who can engage in meaningful conversation and keep things interesting.

About Author: Ekta Adhikari

Ekta is a wishful content writer with a keen interest in global changes, pop culture, and the dynamics of human relationships around the world. Her writings offer readers to delve into the world of each of her subjects.