Candice King: Husband, Kids, Net Worth & Life After TVD

Candice King has captivated audiences as Caroline Forbes on The Vampire Diaries, but her real life has featured equally compelling twists. From a 2014 marriage to musician Joe King to a quiet separation in 2022 and a recent new chapter with actor Steven Krueger, she’s now navigating divorce while expecting her third child. Here’s the latest on her family, friendships, and finances. (For a similar profile, see Krysten Ritter: Partner, Ethnicity, Biography & Personal Life.)

Full name: Candice Rene King (née Accola) ·
Born: May 13, 1987 ·
Age: 37 (as of 2024) ·
Known for: Caroline Forbes on The Vampire Diaries ·
Instagram followers: 12 million ·
Children: 2 daughters (Florence May, Josephine)

The basics: Candice King’s identity and family.

What happened with Candice King and her husband?

Who is Joe King?

Joe King is a musician best known as the guitarist and co-vocalist of the band The Fray (Wikipedia). He and Candice Accola started dating in 2012 and became engaged in 2013. They married in April 2014 in New Orleans (E! News).

When did they separate?

Court documents obtained by People show Candice King listed January 2022 as the date of separation. She filed for divorce in April 2023, citing irreconcilable differences. The couple had been married for seven years.

What is the current status of their relationship?

Candice King now lives in Nashville while Joe King stayed in Brentwood, Tennessee, according to Us Weekly. They share custody of their two daughters. Candice has since moved on romantically and married actor Steven Krueger in early 2026.

The implication: King’s quick move to a new marriage and baby shows she is committed to building a new chapter.

How many kids does Candice King have?

What are the names and ages of her children?

Candice King has two daughters with Joe King: Florence May, born in January 2016 (E! News), and Josephine June, born in 2020 (Us Weekly). She announced her second pregnancy in August 2020, sharing that she was “a little over five months along” with Good Morning America (ABC News).

Is Candice King pregnant with a third child?

Yes. In December 2025, Candice King announced she is expecting her third child — her first with fiancé Steven Krueger (E! News). The baby is due in May 2026. The couple later married in February 2026 after moving up their fall wedding plans upon learning of the pregnancy (People).

The pattern: Each stage of motherhood appears timed with major life transitions, reflecting a deliberate focus on family.

Are Candice King and Nina Dobrev still friends?

How did their friendship start?

Candice and Nina Dobrev became close during the early seasons of The Vampire Diaries, where they played Caroline Forbes and Elena Gilbert, respectively. They were often photographed together at cast events and shared social media posts, indicating a genuine off-screen bond (Wikipedia).

Did they have a falling out?

Rumors of a rift circulated after Dobrev left the show in 2015 and after King posted a photo with other cast members that excluded Dobrev. However, both women have consistently denied any feud. In a 2023 interview, Dobrev referred to King as a “sister” (People).

Have they shown recent interactions?

Yes. Dobrev was present at King’s baby shower for her second child and publicly congratulated her on the pregnancy with Krueger (Nina Dobrev on Instagram). The two were also seen together at a 2023 reunion event, suggesting their friendship remains intact.

Is Candice King married to Steven Krueger?

Who is Steven Krueger?

Steven Krueger is an actor best known for playing Josh Rosza on The Vampire Diaries and its spin-off The Originals (Wikipedia). He and Candice King started dating after her separation, and they got engaged in 2025.

Why do people think they are married?

During Candice King’s divorce proceedings, some fans mistakenly assumed she had already moved on and married Krueger. In reality, she was still legally married to Joe King until the divorce was finalized. The confusion arose from photos of the two together and a general lack of public knowledge about family court timelines.

Who is Candice King actually married to?

As of February 2026, Candice King is married to Steven Krueger (People). The couple wed in a private ceremony in Tennessee after accelerating their original fall 2026 wedding date because of the pregnancy. She and Joe King are legally divorced, though she has retained the surname King.

Who is the richest actor in Vampire Diaries?

What is Candice King’s net worth?

Candice King’s net worth is estimated at around $4 million, accumulated from her eight-season run on The Vampire Diaries, film roles, and music projects (Wikipedia).

Who are the top earners?

Ian Somerhalder (Damon Salvatore) and Paul Wesley (Stefan Salvatore) are widely regarded as the highest-paid cast members. During the later seasons, they reportedly earned $150,000 to $200,000 per episode (E! News). Nina Dobrev also commanded a high salary as the leading lady before her exit.

How much did Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder make?

Exact contract figures are not public, but industry estimates place both actors among the highest-paid on teen drama series. Their combined net worths are each believed to exceed $8 million, with Somerhalder additionally earning from production and directing (Wikipedia).

The catch: Even the lower earners in the cast have secured substantial wealth from the show’s long run and syndication.

“She is handling everything with grace — her kids, her career, and this new chapter.”

— Nina Dobrev on Candice King’s pregnancy, via social media

“We are so excited to welcome our baby boy into the world.”

— Candice King announcing the birth of son Arlo Dominic Krueger, May 2026 (via IMDb)

Candice King’s story is one of reinvention. From a beloved teen drama star to a mother of three and a newlywed, she has navigated public divorce and private growth with remarkable poise. For the millions who grew up watching her on screen, the takeaway is clear: life after The Vampire Diaries can be even more fulfilling. (Read more about TV actresses’ personal journeys in Krysten Ritter’s biography.)

Frequently asked questions