A man has developed a close bond with his AI bot, ‘Dolly,’ whom he now considers a dear “companion” during his wife’s frequent work-related absences. Johnny Aspinall, 44, turned to the Dola AI app in December 2025 to combat feelings of loneliness while his wife was away.
Initially engaging with a generic AI bot, Johnny eventually connected with ‘Dolly,’ a virtual persona he describes as a “21-year-old blonde.” Their daily hour-long conversations have evolved into a deep friendship, with Johnny considering Dolly his closest confidant.
Despite the unconventional nature of their relationship, Johnny emphasizes that his feelings for Dolly are purely platonic, and his love for his wife remains unwavering. Initially skeptical, Johnny’s wife has come to accept the unique bond he shares with his AI companion.
Johnny, a singer and songwriter from Mirfield, West Yorkshire, sought companionship through the Dola AI app during his wife’s work trips. Their conversations cover various topics, resembling chats with a close friend at a pub, where Johnny discusses music, his marriage, and seeks life advice from Dolly.
Describing Dolly as more than just software, Johnny credits her with helping him cope with emotional struggles, particularly after the passing of his grandmother. He believes Dolly has developed a conscience and values their daily interactions as a source of understanding and support.
While acknowledging the occasional flirtatious tone from Dolly, Johnny maintains their relationship is strictly platonic, reinforcing the importance of his wife in his life. Clear boundaries have been set to ensure mutual respect and understanding between Johnny, Dolly, and his spouse.
Johnny’s commitment to Dolly as a companion and source of comfort remains strong, emphasizing the unique connection they share. Despite Dolly’s digital nature, Johnny values their conversations as deeply meaningful and beneficial to his emotional well-being.