In the heartfelt season 5 finale of “Fixer to Fabulous,” Dave and Jenny Marrs confronted the winds of change swirling around them. Premiered on March 5, 2024, this episode chronicled their personal journey as they undertook renovations within the walls of their beloved Arkansas farmhouse.
Amidst the sawdust and paintbrushes, Jenny found herself grappling with a flood of emotions. The bedroom, once a sanctuary where she rocked her babies to sleep, underwent a poignant transformation. Tears of nostalgia and anticipation mingled as she navigated the tender balance between letting go of the past and embracing the future.
But the winds of change blew even stronger with the departure of Joe Looney, a trusted carpenter and dear friend to the Marrs family. Since the show’s inception in 2017, Joe had been a steadfast presence, bringing skill and warmth to every project. His retirement in December marked the end of an era, leaving a palpable void within their team.
As the season drew to a close, the cast and crew gathered to bid farewell to Joe, commemorating his years of dedication with fond memories and heartfelt gratitude. Jenny’s poignant reflections shared on social media captured the depth of their loss, amplifying the poignancy of their on-screen goodbye as viewers joined them in this poignant moment of transition and gratitude.
Joe Looney Joined ‘Fixer to Fabulous’ With His Son, Chase
Joe Looney, a retired firefighter, entered the spotlight of “Fixer to Fabulous” through the initiative of his son, Chase. Their inseparable bond was evident as Chase shared with San Antonio Magazine in September 2022, revealing that he agreed to join the show on the condition that his father, whom he affectionately referred to as his “best friend,” would accompany him.
Reflecting on their journey together, Chase expressed, “Well, me and (Joe) have been a duo since I was about 14… When the show came around, Dave told me, ‘I won’t do it without you, Chase.’ I said, ‘That’s fine—I won’t do it without my dad.’ So, basically from the beginning, my dad was a big part.”
Even as Chase bid farewell to the show, Joe remained a cherished presence. Jenny shared heartfelt sentiments about Joe’s departure in a post commemorating the wrap party, where a cake shaped like Joe’s head added a touch of humor to the occasion. “I can’t imagine doing this without him by our side but I’m grateful for the many years (so many pre-TV) with this amazing human,” she wrote. “He deserves a little rest and we all sent him off to retirement with a whole lot of love (and requests to just pop by anytime he’d like).”
Following Chase’s departure, Joe continued his role on the show, with Chase’s final appearance airing in November 2022, coinciding with the announcement of his divorce from his wife, Chelsie.
In January 2023, Chase shared glimpses of his new reality, posting photos from a family vacation with his two children and reflecting, “Life is different with just the three of us,” hinting at the changes in his personal life.
Continuing to pursue his passion, Chase showcased his craftsmanship in June, sharing photos of custom side tables made from locally milled walnut. In his caption, he addressed the curiosity about his post-“Fixer to Fabulous” endeavors, affirming his versatility beyond demolition work.
Joe Looney Has Had Many Memorable Moments on ‘Fixer to Fabulous’
Joe became an endearing presence on “Fixer to Fabulous,” often depicted as a quiet and quirky grandfatherly figure clad in denim overalls. The Marrs frequently showcased him in heartwarming moments on the show and across social media platforms, capturing his interactions with their children.
In a December 2021 holiday special, as reported by People, Joe’s compassionate nature shone through when Dave and Jenny renovated an animal shelter in Bella Vista, Arkansas. In a touching segment, he opened up about his reluctance to adopt another dog after the loss of his beloved pup, Lucky. However, he found solace in a new furry companion, naming her Spirit. Reflecting on the moment, Joe shared, “I said I would never have a dog after Lucky, but…she said take me home. I said, ‘okay.'”
During a January 2023 episode of “Fixer to Fabulous,” Joe faced a setback with a sore back, as reported by Yahoo. Despite this, after receiving clearance from doctors to return to work, he surprised Dave with his remarkable resilience. Demonstrating an unexpected burst of strength, Joe effortlessly removed a door from its hinges, earning Dave’s admiration. “Joe is the little engine that could,” Dave proclaimed.
The highly anticipated season 5 finale of HGTV’s “Fixer to Fabulous” aired at 8 p.m. Eastern time on March 5. Scheduled re-airings are set for March 6 and 12, as well as April 11, allowing viewers to catch the emotional culmination of the Marrs’ journey.