Supportive guy! Clare Crawley‘s ex-fiancé gushed over her becoming the new Bachelorette for season 16. It was announced that the Bachelor Nation alum would be the leading lady on March 2 during Good Morning America. The 38-year-old California babe and former contestant on The Bachelorette Canada, 33, were engaged for one month before splitting after Bachelor Winter Games in 2018. However, he thinks his ex is definitely ready to find her Mr. Right.

“Congratulations to this gem!!” Benoit captioned a sweet photo of the pair giggling on Instagram after the big announcement. “She will be an amazing Bachelorette. She is smart, fun, strong, knows what she wants and most importantly, she will call out the guys messing around!! Hell yeah!!” The reality stud wished the hairstylist good luck and noted that she’ll be “the best Bachelorette ever” in the hashtag.

Benoit and Clare had an amicable breakup and revealed at the time that it was a “mutual” decision to end things. “Just know there are no negative feelings here, we are simply two people who believed in love, and were open enough to give it a chance. We still care for each other very deeply,” they wrote in a joint statement.

Fans couldn’t help but agree with the throwback choice for the new leading lady and applauded Benoit’s sweet post. “Couldn’t agree more! Mature and confident!” one commenter wrote. “She’s finally getting her chance. Hell yes!!!” another person echoed. “I’m so glad it’s her,” someone else added.

Bachelor Winter Games Star Clare Crawley Smiles in Red Dress
ABC/Paul Hebert

Clare confessed that being asked to be the next Bachelorette was “so unexpected” on GMA, but noted that her experience will be a major plus when finding her future husband. “A lot of people put it out there as this negative thing,” she confessed about her age. “But, I know what I want, what I don’t want and what I won’t settle for.” You go, girl!

Franchise alum Ashley Iaconetti exclusively told Life & Style that the Sacramento native was one of her top picks. “I’d love to see the beautiful Clare Crawley [as Bachelorette], she’s such a warm, nurturing soul who knows what she deserves,” the brunette beauty said. The starlet acknowledged that “people are really craving an older cast and perhaps lead,” so it sounds like Clare is the perfect choice.

We can’t wait to see what this season has in store!