Jonathan Scott Embraces Role As ‘Bonus Dad’ To Zooey Deschanel’s 2 Children

May 19, 2023

Who doesn’t enjoy an adorable love story? Unfortunately, in life — especially in Hollywood — romances can be short-lived and true love can seem hard to come by. Thankfully, though, there are some cases where people have been able to overcome obstacles and find the person they are meant to spend their lives with.

Zooey Deschanel is an actress best known for her starring role as Jessica “Jess” Day in the TV series “New Girl.” She has also been in several accomplished films, including “Elf,” “Failure to Launch,” “Yes Man” and “500 Days of Summer.” Deschanel has also shown off her musical skills through singing and playing various instruments like the ukulele and piano.

Deschanel was married to Ben Gibbard, the lead vocalist of Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service, from 2009 to 2012. Afterward, Deschanel married film producer Jacob Pechenik in 2015. The two welcomed a daughter in July of that same year and a son two years later in May 2017.

However, Deschanel and Pechenik announced their separation in late 2019, with their divorce being finalized the following summer. During this time, the actress met “Property Brothers” star Jonathan Scott and the pair began dating shortly after Deschanel’s relationship with Pechenik ended.

Jonathan is best known for his work as a construction contractor on several reality TV shows alongside his twin brother, Drew Scott. Other spin-offs of their show include “Brother vs. Brother” and “Property Brothers: At Home.”

It seems like the blended family gets along very well, as Deschanel has even posted photos showing how Jonathan has embraced his position as “bonus dad” to her and Pechenik’s children.

Since starting their relationship, “New Girl” star Zooey Deschanel and “Property Brothers” star Jonathan Scott have blended their lives and families together. According to TODAY, the pair first met while on the set of “Carpool Karaoke” in 2019 and became official in October of that year after Deschanel and her then-husband filed for separation. 

As time went by, Deschanel and Pechenik’s marriage ended, and Deschanel and Jonathan’s romance continued to thrive. Deschanel even joined the Scott brothers for a season of “Brother vs. Brother” and bought and designed their home in Los Angeles.

But what has been the biggest change in their lives is Jonathan coming in as another fatherly figure to Deschanel’s children that she shares with Pechenik. Deschanel and Pechenik share Elsie, 7, and Charlie, 5, from their former marriage. For Jonathan, it’s been one of the best experiences he could have asked for.

"I always knew I would be a great dad — former clown, magician, I can build stuff — and it's been incredible," Jonathan said. "You see your life transform, your priorities become your kids, and when they have a performance that they're doing at school, or working on some of their homework, or whatever it might be, it's a joy.”

The construction contractor said that he and his girlfriend “enjoy every minute” of co-parenting Deschanel’s kids with her “wonderful” ex, Pechenik. And the children have accepted Jonathan as part of their family as well.

"The first time I realized (we had a connection) ... our youngest came back from school with a picture that he had drawn, and in the picture, he has Mommy and Daddy and Jonathan and his sister and our puppies," Jonathan explained. "He had drawn this whole picture. This is his happy family." 

Jonathan added:

"I think that was when I was like, that's pretty sweet, because the way we think of it is, he has the benefit of a 'bonus dad.’ How cool is that? You have more people that love you."

Back in November 2019, Jonathan talked about how he was already enjoying being a bonus dad to Deschanel’s kids while they attended the Baby2Baby gala in West Hollywood. He said:

“I love it. Just (to) be sitting doing nothing and they’ll come over and just plant a big hug on you or say something really sweet. Like, that came out of left field but I will take it!”

Deschanel has been thrilled at seeing how much her family embraced Jonathan and equally as happy seeing how Jonathan stepped up to become a stepfather figure to her kids. She called him “the best step-dad” and said Jonathan is “very highly qualified for the job.”

In June 2022, Deschanel posted a photo on Instagram that perfectly encapsulated her blended family dynamic. The photo showed Jonathan, Pechenik, Elsie and Charlie enjoying some quality time together outside. One of Deschanel’s children sat on top of Jonathan’s shoulders, while her other child sat on top of Pechenik’s shoulders. Deschanel captioned the post:

"So thankful my kids have these two awesome guys in their lives: @jonathanscott and their dad @jacobpechenik.”

Fans were thrilled to see the tight family unit. One person commented, "Awesome dads. 👏👏👏." Another said, “That makes for a happy child. 👏.” Another person added: “Kudos to you all for being adults! I love my blended family, too!”

What do you think about Zooey Deschanel and Jonathan Scott’s relationship? Do you appreciate seeing their blended family unit? Let us know, and be sure to pass this along to your family and friends.