'Rent: Live' Star Vanessa Hudgens and Boyfriend Austin Butler: A Relationship Timeline
2005 — 'High School Musical'
Hudgens first met Butler when she was filming High School Musical, according to a report by The Daily Mail. At the time, Hudgens was dating Zac Efron. Butler was new to the Disney Channel as well, making a few appearances on Hannah Montana at the time. The two were friendly from the start, and they remembered each other as the years went on.
prevnext2011 — Early Rumors
Hudgens and Butler were first linked romantically in 2011, shortly after she had split from Efron. Paparazzi reportedly saw Butler leaving Hudgens' house late one night, and a source even told Hollywood Life that they had a "friend with benefits situation." Another source later disputed this in a report by PEOPLE.
"They were together but in a large group," the insider said. "They were not doing anything to show that they were really together romantically but they were definitely hanging out and having fun."
prevnext2012 — Going Public
Butler and Hudgens kept to themselves for about a year. Finally, in the fall, they stepped out in public for a few romantic dates. This culminated in a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden, where they kissed for all the world to see.
prevnext2013 — Instagram Official
It was a full year later when Butler made his debut appearance on Hudgens' Instagram — a huge step in modern romance. The picture showed Hudgens, Butler and three more friends in vintage formal attire.
"Hot damn I've got some seriously sexy friends," Hudgens wrote, but fans thought she might be referring to one friend in particular.
prevnext2014 — Birthday Wishes
PDA is one thing, but Hudgens took the leap and really expressed her feelings for Butler on his birthday in August of 2014. The actress wrote a heartfelt message for her boyfriend, leaving little doubt that they were really committed at this point.
"Yesterday was the love of my life's birthday," she wrote. "Happy birthday to the man with the kindest heart, beautiful soul, crazy talent and best looks I've ever seen. He never stops inspiring me in every aspect of life and always lifts those around him up higher. I thank god so greatly for blessing the world 23 years ago by creating Austin Butler."
prevnext2015 — Butler Opens Up
It was another year before Butler put Hudgens on his own Instagram feed. Soon after that, he gave an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the MTV Music Video Awards, gushing about his relationship.
"It's important to put that other person first," he explained. "If you're constantly looking for ways that you can make them happy, and they're constantly looking for ways that they can make you happy, then you kind of lift each other up as much as possible and you can't go wrong."
prevnext2016 — 'Grease Live'
WOW @VanessaHudgens singing 'Worst Things' had me in tears. Just brilliant #GreaseLive
— Austin Butler (@austinbutler) February 1, 2016
Butler had more praise for his girlfriend in February of 2016, when Hudgens performed in Fox's production of Grease Live. Just one day before, Hudgens' father had passed away due to cancer, and Butler got on Twitter to express his amazement at her commitment and resolve.
"WOW [Vanessa Hudgens] singing 'Worst Things' had me in tears," he wrote. "Just brilliant [Grease Live]."
prevnext2017 — Long Distance
While the passion between them was already clear, Hudgens and Butler gave fans a better idea of the logistical struggles of their relationship in 2017. Butler had just spent a lot of time in New Zealand filming The Shannara Chronicles, and in an interview with PEOPLE, Hudgens admitted that it was not easy to go long distance for that long.
"Just communication, communication is key," she said. "I think that if anything's bothering you, don't hold it in. Always bring it up and just talk about it. Un-censor yourself and just be open."
prevnext2018 — Engagement Rumors
Guysssss. I’m not engaged! I️ posted a pic. Not to show off my ring that I️ happened to throw on that finger after a long day of filming but to show off my haircut Lol ??♀️?? pic.twitter.com/xfgqcFddHt
— Vanessa Hudgens (@VanessaHudgens) December 19, 2017
In the final two weeks of 2017, rumors began to swirl that Hudgens and Butler were engaged. These started with an innocent Instagram post where Hudgens wore a diamond ring on her left ring finger. Before long, she had to get online and tell fans outright that they were wrong.
"Guysssss. I'm not engaged!" she wrote. "I posted a pic. Not to show off my ring that I happened to throw on that finger after a long day of filming but to show off my haircut [Lol]."
A few months later, Hudgens spoke to Entertainment Tonight more in-depth about the subject. As far as she was concerned, the fact that she and Butler were in no rush to tie the knot was just proof of how secure they were in their relationship.
"If I felt pressure in a relationship, we wouldn't have been together for almost seven years," she said. "Each couple has their own journey."
prevnextThe Future
There is no telling what comes next for Hudgens and Butler. The couple is clearly fond of their privacy, and neither is particularly transparent or over-sharing on social media. However, in another recent Entertainment Tonight interview, Hudgens made it clear that their love is as strong as ever.
"He's a wonderful supporter... I'm happy to have him here," she said. "I think it's so important to have a person who is your rock."
If nothing else, fans can probably look out for another adorable supportive boyfriend tweet from Butler on Sunday night, as Hudgens takes the stage for Rent: Live. The show starts at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.
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