Who is the new 'Bachelorette' for 2023? What to know about Charity Lawson

While playing a game of “This or That,” "Bachelor" host Jesse Palmer asked Charity Lawson a question: “Bachelor in Paradise or the Bachelorette?”

The Season 27 contestant on "The Bachelor" quickly picked the second option, to which he responded “Are you good with that?”

That's when Lawson was asked the to star in the next season of "The Bachelorette," which premieres this month.

“Is this for real right now?” she said while covering her face with her hands. “Oh my god I’m gonna cry!”

The 27-year-old from Georgia now gets the opportunity to find the love of her life on Season 20, beginning Monday, June 26 at 9:00 p.m. ET. Let’s take some time to get to know our next star!

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You’ve seen her before: Charity Lawson was 'Bachelor' contestant

Lawson gained the hearts of “Bachelor” fans with her appearance in Season 27 featuring "Bachelor" Zach Shallcross. She progressed to the hometown episode, introducing Shallcross to her family and confessing that she was "honestly falling in love," with him.

While Lawson did not leave with the final rose, she won over the love of fans. Many filled her comment sections on Instagram calling her their favorite contestant and hoping she’d be the next "Bachelorette."

On March 14, the "Bachelorette" announced that Lawson would fill the coveted spot for the next season. In the first teaser video released in May, Lawson struts down a rose-filled pathway in a deep red dress to take her seat at a throne.

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Charity Lawson hometown, family

Lawson was born in Columbus, Georgia, to David and Vickie Lawson, who have been married for 47 years.

She’s one of three children, and viewers met her older brother Nehemiah on the hometown episode of her "Bachelor" season. He took a protective role, asking Zach about his intentions with Charity and the other women.

Charity Lawson college

Lawson got her undergraduate and masters degrees from Auburn University. During her time at Auburn, she was a part of Sigma Kappa sorority, the Auburn Alumni Association and volunteered in the campus kitchen and a mentorship program.

After graduating in 2022 with a casters in education in clinical mental health counseling, Lawson entered the child psychology field.

"One of the most powerful tools we as humans have is our minds, it’s important we treat it as such, and take care of it,” she said in an Instagram post after graduation.

She most recently worked as a Child and Family Therapist at the Tri-County Children's Advocacy Center in Auburn, Alabama. According to her LinkedIn, she focused on trauma, child developmental disorders, anxiety, veterans, couples, and families. She also posts mental health resources on Instagram to her 108,000 followers.

'Honored' to hold representation as Black 'Bachelorette'

In an interview on the Jennifer Hudson Show, Lawson discussed what it meant to be the fourth woman of color to hold this role and the second monoracial African American woman.

“I am just honored to be able to hold that representation for other people at home that look like me, women of color. Like the little girls that can look to me and acknowledge that this is something that’s possible for them too,” she said.

Both "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" have been called out by critics for their lack of diversity. A 2020 petition called for more diversity in their lead roles, stating “40 seasons. 18 years. 1 Black lead.”

What she’s looking for

Lawson is looking for a genuine connection, according to Bachelor Nation.

“Lawson is searching for a life partner who loves dogs, thrifting and a good tailgate; but, above all else, is honest, empathetic and values her for who she is,” according to the season description from ABC.

In an interview with Good Morning America, Lawson said her “non-negotiables” in a partner were compassion and a sense of humor.

This season, 25 men will vie for Lawson's heart, ranging from 24 to 32 years old with jobs including a pro wrestler, yacht captain and attorney.

When and where to watch

The "Bachelorette" is back for its 20th season on Monday, June 26 (9:00-11:00 p.m. EDT). ABC has yet to release the official schedule. However, based on previous seasons, we can likely expect 11- 12 episodes, including a Hometown and Fantasy Suite episode.

The show will air on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who is the new 'Bachelorette' for 2023? Charity Lawson age, hometown