Mark Estes Reflects on New Love with Sommer Ray After Cavallari Split

12 September 2025

Mark Estes is stepping into a fresh chapter of his love life with influencer Sommer Ray roughly eight months after his breakup with reality star Kristin Cavallari. The Montana Boyz TikTok creator spoke candidly with E! News about how this new relationship has shaped his recent experiences, especially during the filming of the upcoming season of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.

Filmed conversations and public declarations about their romance have made the pair’s connection hard to miss. In May, Estes and Ray confirmed they were a couple via TikTok posts that featured affectionate moments kisses, playful touches, and joyous time together. Estes gave Sommer a few tender love taps in one video while she reciprocated with shared joy in another. Since then their followers have been treated to clips from vacations and everyday moments showing what life is like after the big breakup. Estes says those moments mean everything.

On the red carpet for Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, which premieres September 25 on FOX, Estes admitted that the hardest part of participating in the show was being away from loved ones. That includes missing family, friends, and most of all missing Sommer. He said that being unable to reach those close to him while out on set tested him in ways he did not expect. It was an emotional balancing act between the demands of reality television and fostering a new romantic bond.

He found silver linings in the challenge. Estes says being away forced him to discover greater mental resilience under pressure. He realized he was capable of more than he thought he was and that pushing past physical and psychological discomfort helped him learn lessons about who he is. And the people around him on set helped too. Castmates from Special Forces have included a diverse group of known names from reality TV personalities to athletes. Though they come from different worlds they bonded over hardships and shared experience. Estes described most of them as good people.

The relationship with Sommer Ray appears to be more than just public appearances and viral videos. Estes believes that she will be proud of what he has accomplished on the show. He says that her support matters more than applause from strangers. The two seem to have built something that is rooted in mutual respect, affection, and a shared understanding of public life.

His breakup with Kristen Cavallari in September 2024 marked the end of a seven-month high-profile romance. Cavallari later described the split as stemming from conflicting life stages rather than any dramatic fallout. She said that though Estes was “the best boyfriend I’ve ever had,” differences in age and life experience made long-term prospects complicated.

Now Estes seems to be channeling that growth into his current relationship. He acknowledges the value of support from his partner while navigating the public eye and the isolation that can come from filming a show like Special Forces. He has said that the experience has helped him see how strong he can be emotionally even when he feels vulnerable.

His social media following has followed along every step of the way. The couple’s TikToks, photos, and frequent posts give fans a window into life together. Estes appears aware that living publicly means every move might be scrutinized but also seems grateful that his relationship with Ray has brought joy and clarity. Their presence in one another’s lives has become a source of strength.

As Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test unfolds on television audiences will see new layers of Estes’s story. Not just as someone recovering from a breakup but as a person discovering what it means to love again under scrutiny and distance. Estes appears ready for the next phase one centered less on headlines and more on finding peace, balance, and someone to share both challenges and triumphs with.