Joshua Bassett has released a new song called “The Golden Years,” which has sparked speculation among fans about whether it is about his ex, Olivia Rodrigo. The singer shared a snippet of the track on social media, and fans quickly pointed out potential connections to Rodrigo. Some fans noted that the numbers on Bassett’s shirt, 17 and 21, correspond to Rodrigo’s age when she wrote her song “Driver’s License” and her current age, respectively. Bassett also posted pictures from his time filming High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, including images of Rodrigo and other cast members.
Some fans believe that Bassett’s new song is indeed about Rodrigo based on the photos he shared, which feature moments between their characters on the show. However, others speculate that the song may simply be about his experience on the Disney+ series. Bassett and Rodrigo never confirmed their relationship publicly, but rumors began swirling in 2019 when they were cast as leads on HSMTMTS. The pair further fueled rumors by writing a song together for their characters, showcasing their creative connection.
Rodrigo has also spoken about her close working relationship with Bassett, expressing that it felt natural to collaborate with him. In an interview, she recalled a moment during filming when Bassett’s improvisation made her emotional. However, their relationship reportedly came to an end in August 2020, with Rodrigo hinting at a breakup in a TikTok video. Further speculation arose when Rodrigo released her debut album, Sour, which many believed was inspired by her experiences with Bassett.
Rumors of a love triangle involving Bassett, Rodrigo, and Sabrina Carpenter also made headlines, but Bassett later expressed that he wished to focus on the accomplishments and talents of both women. Despite the speculation, Bassett and Rodrigo reunited at the premiere of HSMTMTS season 3 in August 2023, posing for photos together on the red carpet. Since their split, Rodrigo has been linked to other individuals, including Adam Faze, Zack Bia, and her current boyfriend Louis Partridge. Meanwhile, Bassett has since ended his relationship with Carpenter and she is now reportedly dating Barry Keoghan.
Overall, Joshua Bassett’s new song has reignited interest in his past relationship with Olivia Rodrigo, leading fans to speculate about the inspiration behind the lyrics. The ongoing rumors and discussions surrounding their personal lives continue to capture the attention of fans and the media. Despite the ups and downs of their relationship, both artists have continued to pursue their careers and collaborate with others in the music industry. The drama and intrigue surrounding their past romance have undoubtedly contributed to the public’s fascination with their personal lives and creative endeavors.
