NEED TO KNOW
In March 2026, Rylie Middaugh moved into a guesthouse on 75-year-old Tom Ward’s property after unexpectedly needing a place to live
Their funny and heartwarming text exchanges soon went viral on TikTok, with viewers falling in love with their unlikely friendship
Middaugh tells PEOPLE their bond proves meaningful connections can happen across generations
When Rylie Middaugh “unexpectedly” found herself searching for a new place to live after a “major life change,” she never imagined it would lead to one of the most meaningful friendships of her life.
In March 2026, the 28-year-old ended up moving into a guesthouse on 75-year-old Tom Ward’s property, and what began as a practical living arrangement quickly turned into an unlikely bond that has captivated hundreds of thousands on TikTok.
Through a series of funny, heartfelt text exchanges, viewers have fallen in love with the pair’s genuine friendship and the joy they bring to each other’s lives.
“Tom and I come from completely different generations, but we’ve found so much common ground through simple things like sharing stories, watching sunsets or just sitting down to eat a meal together,” Middaugh tells PEOPLE exclusively.
Ward, who is Middaugh’s best friend’s stepdad, had been living alone for several years after the death of his partner. Around the same time, Middaugh was rebuilding her own life after relocating across the country for a relationship that eventually ended.
Remembering that Ward had a small guesthouse on his property in Bend, Ore., she decided to ask if he might be willing to help. And “without hesitation,” Ward welcomed Middaugh with “open arms.”
It didn’t take long for the pair to settle into an easy friendship. One unforgettable early roommate moment that Middaugh still recalls is when Ward misplaced his phone, and he asked her to call it so they could track it down.
However, because his hearing aids connected directly to the ringtone, the two ended up wandering around the house, using the changing volume to narrow down its location instead of listening for the phone itself.
“It was such a funny introduction to living together, and really set the tone for the kind of friendship we’d end up having,” Middaugh admits. “He is constantly losing his phone.”
Rylie Middaugh and her roommate, Tom Ward.
Credit: Rylie Middaugh
Those kinds of everyday moments eventually became the inspiration for the TikTok videos that introduced Ward to hundreds of thousands online.
One fan-favorite exchange happened after Ward accidentally left his hearing aids at home while heading to his regular weekend spot at the local farmers market.
“Every Saturday, he sets up a booth at the local farmers market where he sells the woodworking projects he makes by hand,” Middaugh reveals. “From clocks, cutting boards, tables and other handcrafted pieces.”
Other texts included Ward asking Middaugh for help returning Amazon orders or randomly checking in to see if she wanted food. “It ended up being one of those text conversations that people online loved because it was so authentically Tom,” Middaugh says.
Away from social media, the roommates have settled into simple traditions that have only strengthened their friendship. One of their favorites is driving to one of Oregon’s scenic viewpoints, Pilot Butte, to watch the sunset, where Middaugh often brings her professional camera, while Ward happily snaps photos on his iPhone.
“I’ve always felt like I’m a bit of an old soul, so having a roommate like Tom has been exactly what I needed,” she admits.
Rylie Middaugh and her roommate, Tom Ward.
Credit: Rylie Middaugh
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According to Middaugh, much of Ward’s appeal comes from the way he approaches life with genuine enthusiasm, finding purpose and happiness in ordinary moments that many people overlook.
“He fills his days with things that bring him joy. Whether that’s volunteering, driving for Uber just because he enjoys meeting people, making woodworking projects, or spending hours working in his yard,” she says. “Being around someone who has that kind of appreciation for everyday life is contagious.”
Rylie Middaugh and her roommate, Tom Ward.
Credit: Rylie Middaugh
While she expected viewers to enjoy their humorous exchanges, Middaugh admits the emotional response caught her by surprise. “My comments are full of people saying Tom reminds them of their dad, grandpa or someone they’ve lost, which has been really special to read,” she shares.
Middaugh says viewers have become “genuinely protective of Tom,” something she believes reflects just how authentic he is both on and off camera. For her, the overwhelming response has simply reinforced the lesson their friendship has taught her all along.
“Some of the most meaningful connections can come from the people you least expect,” Middaugh tells PEOPLE.
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