When you get married, there’s one universal truth: suddenly, everyone becomes an expert on your life. Distant relatives, single friends—you name it, they’ve got questions. “How’s married life?”, “Does it feel different?” and the classic “When are the kids coming?” It’s as if tying the knot makes you some sort of public figure overnight. And for Ryan Blaney, who already is one, what with him being the NASCAR’s 2023 Cup Series champion and all, this reality hit home in the most amusing way. Leading the charge with the nosy questions was none other than Dale Earnhardt Jr.—a man who’s seen it all in racing but apparently loves a good wedding interrogation.

Blaney recently shared the hilarious details on the Door Bumper Clear podcast, opening up about his new life as a married man, Dale Jr.’s relentless curiosity, and how he and his wife, Gianna Tulio, are adjusting to their next chapter—complete with therapy goats and a promising start to the 2025 NASCAR season.

Married life, Dale Jr.’s questions, and the “Kids” conversation

Blaney’s wedding to Gianna Tulio in December 2024 was a star-studded celebration filled with family, friends, and fellow NASCAR drivers. But even in the middle of all the festivities, he couldn’t dodge the inevitable post-wedding interrogation. And leading the charge? Dale Earnhardt Jr.

“Every person asks me how different married life is now,” Blaney said, laughing. “And honestly, it’s not. We already lived together, did all those things. Now it’s just like, the government’s involved. There’s a piece of paper that says, ‘Yes, you’re married,’ and you have this thing on your finger.”

But of course, the next logical question followed: When are the kids coming? And who was the first to hit him with it? Dale Jr. himself—right at the wedding.

“He hit me with both of those at the wedding!” Blaney recalled, still laughing.

Blaney and Gianna, who got engaged in December 2023 after his championship win, have been together since 2020. Their bond has been a strong one, with Gianna often seen cheering Blaney on from the stands. Their wedding at the Hotel Jerome in Colorado was nothing short of magical. And when Gianna walked down the aisle? Blaney admits he got emotional.

“I’ll never forget that feeling,” Blaney said. “I got really emotional. I started kind of laughing because that was the only way I was going to keep the tears back.”

Therapy goats, healing hearts, and a fresh start for Blaney

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While Blaney and Gianna are enjoying married life, they’ve also been dealing with some emotional challenges. Just days after their wedding, Gianna’s uncle, Dominic Tulio, passed away at 53. But in the midst of their grief, they found comfort in an unexpected source: three therapy goats.

Yes, therapy goats.

The couple recently welcomed three Nigerian Dwarf goats into their home—not just as pets, but as animals known for their playful nature and ability to boost mental well-being. Gianna shared her excitement on Instagram, posting stories with captions like “Can’t wait to bring these girls home!” and “They’re going to heal so many hearts.” The goats, from Fallen Oak Farms, are full of energy and love turning any space into a playground.

For Blaney and Gianna, these little creatures symbolize a fresh start—one filled with joy, healing, and a bit of chaos. “They’re way more than just pets,” Blaney said. “They’re like little bundles of happiness.”

While Blaney’s personal life has been a concoction of weddings, goats, and heartfelt moments, his professional life is off to a solid start too. The 2025 NASCAR season kicked off with the Clash at Bowman Gray, and Blaney wasted no time reminding everyone why he’s one of the sport’s most consistent drivers.

Starting from the 23rd position, he worked his way up the field with a blend of patience and precision. At one point, he found himself locked in a tight battle with Ross Chastain, who later described Blaney’s driving as “gentle but persistent.”

“He stayed glued to my bumper,” Chastain said. “It was like he was gently nudging me, just enough to keep me from advancing.” 

Blaney’s steady approach paid off, earning him a second-place finish behind Chase Elliott. Not a bad way to start the season for the Team Penske driver, who has made the Championship 4 in back-to-back seasons and is eyeing another title run.

With a strong start on the track and a new adventure at home, Blaney has his hands full. Whether he’s dodging Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s questions, taking care of therapy goats, or battling for another championship, one thing’s for sure—life is anything but boring for Ryan Blaney. And as for those kids? Well, if Dale Jr. keeps asking, maybe Blaney will start coming up with some creative answers.