Golden Bachelor’s Mel Owens Reveals Eyebrow-Raising Dating Parameters

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The Golden Bachelor‘s Mel Owens isn’t looking for just anybody to steal him away for a second.

Indeed, the former player of the Los Angeles Rams imposed a particular age range for selecting females during his show’s castings. When questioned about his preferences by the producers, he candidly stated, “I prefer women aged between 45 and 60.

He said, “I told a producer, ‘If they’re 60 or above, I’m eliminating them.’ In a recent interview on the MGoBlue Podcasts With Jon Jansen, I made it clear that this isn’t The Silver Bachelor, but rather The Golden Bachelor.

Instead of saying the producer advised against using “the word ‘cut'” around women, the 66-year-old explained, “I said, ‘That’s a football term.’

And in addition to age, Mel said potential love interests have “got to be fit.”

He mentioned that he maintains his fitness by exercising regularly, and further clarified that when speaking with producers, he requested them to steer clear of using artificial hip replacements or wigs.

TopMob News has reached out to ABC and Warner Bros. for comment but hasn’t heard back.

He mentioned that his reason for seeking love on TV is because he enjoys trying out new experiences and being in unfamiliar situations.

The ex-athlete went on, expressing that he’s often been adventurous, venturing into novel experiences, yet not quite pushing limits to the extreme.

Without a doubt, Mel’s professional journey has been remarkably distinct. Following nine seasons with the Rams, he delved into financial advisory work, then pursued law studies to qualify as a sports attorney. In 2006, he established Namanny, Byrne & Owens, a law firm based in Southern California, focusing on sports injuries, workers’ compensation, and disability benefits.

At this point in time, the former athlete who became a lawyer also encountered his first romantic partner. They have two children together as stated in an ABC press release. However, following the dissolution of his marriage, Mel has devoted his energy to being an exceptional father, prioritizing the upbringing of his sons and coaching their after-school sports teams.

Following numerous years of being a dedicated father, Owens is now eager to revive a love based on shared happiness, enjoying everyday experiences, setting goals for the future, and becoming more intertwined as a pair.

Currently, the roses are under Mel’s care. Continue reading to discover the outcomes of Bachelor Nation relationships from previous seasons.

In the Bachelor mansion on his first night, Grant Ellis encountered 25 potential romantic prospects. But it was Juliana Pasquarosa who ultimately received his final rose. Unfortunately, the duo broke up shortly after their proposal aired on television, less than three months later.

Grant shared on his Instagram Story (June 13) that he and Juliana have chosen to part ways in their relationship. They’ve tried their best and shown each other a lot of affection, but after thoughtful discussions, they realized that, in the long run, they’re not compatible.

Currently, Joan Vassos is in an engagement with Chock Chapple. She gained fame on the first season of The Golden Bachelor, then left Gerry Turner’s season prematurely. Later, on the inaugural season of The Golden Bachelorette, she found and accepted a proposal from Chock Chapple.

Joan expressed on the finale of The Golden Bachelorette in November 2024 that our circumstances, no matter how challenging, can’t extinguish hope, even as we grow older. In a breathtaking setting like Bora Bora, she shared with Chock her heartfelt sentiment: “I’ve been waiting for this moment in this incredible place to tell you something special – I love you deeply, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I look forward to waking up next to you every morning, and sharing a goodnight kiss with you each night.

In the season finale of The Bachelorette (season 21), it seemed like Jenn Tran, a former Bachelor contestant, had found her perfect match in Devin Strader. However, during an interview after the final rose ceremony in September 2024, Jenn disclosed that Devin became distant as soon as the cameras stopped rolling.

During the September 3rd episode, Jenn explained to host Jesse Palmer that the man she was involved with had been expressing strong declarations of love one day, only to completely change the next. She said, “Suddenly, he acted as if nothing had ever happened and denied ever having feelings for me.” Furthermore, she added that all the affectionate gestures and promises he had made to her seemed to have vanished without a trace.

The situation escalated as Devin posted a 13-minute video on Instagram, explaining his perspective and taking responsibility, while also revealing the reasons behind ending their conversation over a 15-minute phone call.

Instead of claiming Jenn accused him of ending their relationship over the phone in August, he said Jenn asked why something was amiss, as he struggled to tell her in person that he wanted to end things.

He said, “To be honest, I wasn’t sure what other option I had left,” implying that he had been delaying to discuss it with her face-to-face. “In a way, she made me take action.

Following that, I couldn’t help but saunter towards “Dancing with the Stars” and straight into the heart of my partner, Sasha Farber. We kept dancing as a pair even after our October 2024 elimination, but we parted ways in 2025.

In this version, I’ve used more informal language to make it sound like the narrator is an obsessed fan, and I’ve also changed some words to make it easier to read while still maintaining the original meaning.

Status update: Breakup

In November 2022, Greg Grippo, who was one of Katie Thurston’s suitors on The Bachelorette a year earlier, appeared alongside Victoria Fuller on the season finale of Bachelor in Paradise. During their time there, they declared that they were an item. However, in April 2024, he disclosed that they had ended their relationship.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it this way:

Before Victoria Fuller and Greg Grippo made their relationship official during the finale of Bachelor in Paradise’s eighth season, there was another man in her life – Johnny DePhillipo. However, their romance didn’t last, as they had ended their engagement prior to the public revelation of Victoria’s new love interest.

Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist were previously divorced, but they rekindled their relationship and got married in 2024 after getting engaged on the finale of the first season of “Golden Bachelor.

However, three months after their nuptials, the couple announced that they were breaking up.

Gerry stated during their interview on Good Morning America with Theresa in April 2024, ‘Theresa and I have shared many deep conversations, and we’ve carefully examined our relationship and living arrangement. As a result of our discussions, we both believe it might be best to end our marriage.’

They reached a divorce settlement in June 2024, according to court records reviewed by TopMob News.

Back in April 2025, Gerry shared on the “Bachelor Happy Hour” podcast that he had started seeing someone new and things were progressing positively.

Status: In a Relationship
Tennis professional Joey Graziadei has found his ideal partner after dating 32 potential candidates. The lucky lady is project manager Kelsey Anderson. During the season finale in March 2024, Joey expressed his heartfelt feelings to Kelsey: “I can’t wait another second to tell you that I am deeply in love with you.” Kneeling on one knee, he proposed, captivated by her energy and charisma. “For a long time, I thought about having a wonderful life,” Joey shared, “but it wasn’t until I met you that I truly understood how amazing that life could be.

In the ninth season of ‘Bachelor in Paradise’, John Henry Spurlock, who was among Charity Lawson’s suitors, and Kat Izzo, a contestant vying for Zach Shallcross’ heart, didn’t initially click. However, they were ready to take a chance, as John proposed with an Ascher cut Neil Lane diamond, expressing his feelings for her. He stated, “I’m going to try something different today. My heart is guiding me, and it tells me that you are extraordinary, everything I have been searching for.”

But, shortly after the season finale aired, the couple shared that their paths were diverging due to conflicting career goals. In a joint Instagram post, they expressed, “Although our lives are taking different routes because of our professional aspirations not coinciding, we are thankful for the love and backing we’ve received from our loved ones and Bachelor Nation.

Status: Split

Despite her apprehensions regarding a romantic proposal from Paradise, elegantly clad Eliza Isichei (one of Clayton Echard’s former partners) graciously accepted Aaron Bryant’s oceanfront proposition. Charmingly moved by the software salesman’s gesture of contacting her mother for her approval, she exclaimed, “I could not predict what words would come out of my mouth next.”

The final scene’s conclusion acknowledged that Eliza and her ex, marketing manager Charity, encountered difficulties following their return from Mexico. A few days later, they made an announcement that they had officially ended their engagement.

“Navigating complex feelings as I watch everything unfold,” he penned on Instagram in December 2023. “We are parting ways amicably, with nothing but optimism and mutual respect for each other.

Status: Split

Nurse Kylee Russell found herself disappointed by boyfriend Aven Jones’ reluctance to propose – a step he seemed ready to take when courting Bachelorette Rachel Recchia. However, she eventually agreed to Aven’s proposal from “Bachelor in Paradise,” deciding it was time to leave and make their relationship work.

This decision meant her selected engagement dress remained untouched, but Kylee felt compelled to follow her instincts: “Love involves taking risks.”

Just two days after the season finale aired in December 2023, she revealed on Instagram Stories that the relationship had fallen apart due to repeated infidelities. Later, Aven apologized to Kylee for his mistakes and the pain he caused during their relationship.

In a playful exchange with TopMob News, Charity Lawson expressed her delight about the season’s outcome. However, her August 2023 finale was more momentous than her words suggested. Integrative medicine specialist Dotun Olubeko, in a heartfelt gesture, got down on one knee and declared their love as “perfect.” He then asked the child and family therapist, “Will you accept this fairytale and make it a reality by becoming my wife?”

Although the wedding date has not been finalized (either 2025 or 2026 is being considered), Charity’s upcoming schedule includes a stint on the dance floor for Dancing With the Stars. On The Bachelorette: After the Final Rose, an excited Dotun told Charity, “I know you love to have fun, to dance, and to enjoy yourself. We’ve talked about this opportunity—how amazing it would be. And I am thrilled to tell you that you’re going to be on Dancing With the Stars! Let’s do this!

 

Status: Married (implies that they are legally wed) can be rephrased as: Zach and Kaity Biggar have tied the knot. Despite some hiccups during Fantasy Suite encounters, Zach Shallcross proposed to Kaity in March 2023. “I am deeply in love with you,” he declared. “You are my universe. The affection I harbor for you surpasses anything I could have imagined.”

In July 2023, the Texas-based pair took another significant step in their relationship, as Kaity announced on Instagram, “Now officially living together as husband and wife.

They married on May 23, 2025.

The current situation is: Broke up.

Well, it seems like Danielle Maltby and Michael Allio, who were both contestants on different seasons of Bachelor Nation, looked set to become a beloved couple. However, despite their attempts to make things work, even after Danielle moved from Nashville to Ohio to be with Michael, they have parted ways. In an episode of Jason Tartick’s podcast “Trading Secrets” in September 2023, Michael shared the news. He stated, “We put a lot into this relationship, and it’s truly unfortunate when things don’t work out. When you realize that love is there but compatibility might not be, you grieve not only for the person and the friendship, but also for the future you had imagined together.

Brandon Jones expressed his deep affection for Serene Russell when he proposed on the seventh season of “Paradise”. However, their relationship didn’t last long. About five months after their engagement was broadcasted, Brandon (a runner-up from Michelle Young’s season) and Serene (who had interactions with Clayton Echard) announced their separation in a joint Instagram post in May 2023. They revealed that they had tried to work on their relationship privately but it had been difficult due to the public scrutiny. They asked for understanding as they were both going through a lot of pain.

Status: The relationship between pilot Rachel and general contractor Tino Franco has faced difficulties. During their 2022 season, he was caught kissing another woman, an action he regrets deeply. On “The Viall Files,” he admitted, “I do not defend my actions at all. It was wrong, unfair to Rachel, and it continues to weigh heavily on me. I’m ashamed of what happened and if I could go back and change it a million times over, I would.

In a nutshell, Susie Evans initially turned down Clayton Echard during the 2022 finale of The Bachelor, but later reconnected off-camera. However, their relationship didn’t last as they split six months later. Susie, who is based in Los Angeles and works as a videographer, explained on her blog “Susie Was Like” that the breakup was necessary because she wasn’t flourishing as she should have been. She admitted that although they had many joyful moments, deep down she was struggling and felt out of sync with her best self.

After dating Justin Glaze, a contestant from Bachelor Nation, Susie later confirmed that they had split up in August 2024 as well.

The current status is: Split.

Teacher Michelle from Minnesota received a Neil Lane sparkler and a $200,000 check for her future home from Texas-based sales executive Nayte Olukoya and producers. However, they didn’t have the right connection and announced their separation six months after their season finale aired in December 2021.

In an interview on The Viall Files, Nayte admitted that there were many ups and downs, frequent arguments, and fights, and they just didn’t see eye-to-eye. He acknowledged that not having the final conversation about their split in person was “a dick move.”

Later in 2023, Michelle began dating Jack Leius, and they announced their engagement the following year.

The viewers were captivated by Maurissa Gunn and Riley Christian’s idea of a serene weekend life filled with Sunday mornings. However, the Bachelor in Paradise season 7 pairing managed to spend just a few weekends together before parting ways. In a joint statement released in January 2022, their patient coordinator Maurissa (who was involved with Peter Weber) and attorney Riley (one of Tayshia Adams’ suitors), declared that they have decided to move on separately. They never envisioned this outcome, but they have reached a point where they both need to focus on personal growth.

Status: Split

As a devoted admirer of “Bachelor in Paradise”, I was thrilled to witness the show’s first same-sex couple get engaged during its sixth season. However, it was saddening to learn that they decided to part ways in October of 2019, an announcement they made on Halloween.

In their shared declaration on Instagram, they expressed that love and concern for each other have been the cornerstone of their relationship. They stated their primary focus has always been making decisions that benefit them both. With hearts heavy with mutual affection, they announced it was in their best interest to momentarily step away from their relationship. Essentially, they want what’s best for each other in the long term, and at this point, that means growing separately.

Current Status: Engaged

In a twist that might not be paradise lost, Noah Erb and Abigail Heringer split up during the seventh season of the BIP, but they found that their love for each other was as deep as the ocean. After initially settling in San Diego, the travel nurse (a contestant on Tayshia’s season) and the financial manager (the recipient of Matt James’ first impression rose) recently purchased a home in his hometown of Tulsa.

Abigail announced their exciting news on Instagram in July 2023: “About to enter our Chip and Joanna Gaines era because your girl bought her very first house!!!” She continued, “Excited to start our next chapter and for all the memories we’ll create here!!” The couple seems to be moving forward, with wedding plans on the horizon. Before their move, Noah proposed at a beachfront San Diego home in August 2023.

In informal and conversational language: Serena Pitt (from Matt James’ season) and Joe Amabile (who gained fame after being sent home on Becca Kufrin’s season in 2018), decided to tie the knot in a “dry run” at City Hall, about a year after leaving “Paradise” engaged. The couple, who now host the “Bachelor Happy Hour” podcast together, announced their union in an October 2022 video, with Serena exclaiming, “We’re married!! We’re still having a wedding this September, but who wouldn’t want to get married twice?

Kenny Braasch, the renowned boy band manager, expressed his deep affection for Mari Pepin as he placed a sparkling Neil Lane diamond ring on her finger during the finale of Paradise in 2021. “Mari,” he declared, “I am absolutely smitten by you, and I can’t imagine my life without you.” Following their romantic journey, which began when Mari first captured Matt’s heart, they moved forward together, with Mari settling in Chicago, Kenny’s hometown. Before their oceanfront wedding in Puerto Rico in November 2023, they symbolized their eternal love by getting matching tattoos during a trip to the Bahamas in May 2023.

Status: Married

Previously on Bachelor in Paradise season seven (2021), Becca Kufrin and Thomas Jacobs, one of Katie Thurston’s suitors, started dating. They split up during the show but rekindled their relationship after filming ended. In May 2022, they announced their engagement, with Becca proposing. Speaking to TopMob News, she expressed hope that others would feel empowered to break traditional norms. True to her words, Thomas returned the favor in October of the same year. In September 2023, they welcomed their first child, a son named Benson. On Instagram, Becca gushed about their little boy: “Words can’t express the love and wonder we have for this tiny man.” Less than a month after bringing Benson home, the couple decided to tie the knot in an impromptu October 13 ceremony.

Status: Split

In the season finale of “The Bachelorette” in 2021, Katie became engaged to Blake Moynes. Their romantic moment occurred during an overnight date that included a paintball adventure, a cowboy bath, and a chat beneath the night sky, where they expressed their love for each other.

Kneeling down, Blake expressed to Katie, “You are worthy of the whole world, and I am thrilled to stand by your side and offer my support each day from now on.

Three months following the broadcast of their proposal, the couple revealed their separation. In identical statements, they expressed, “We are deeply appreciative of the experiences we’ve shared and the journey that unfolded over the past year, but we find ourselves incompatible as lifelong partners. It is the kindest decision for us both to part ways and move forward independently.”

Now, she is betrothed to comedian Jeff Arcuri.

Current Status: Separated
Since Matt and graphic designer Rachael Kirkconnell parted ways during his 2021 season (following a brief separation and subsequent reconciliation), they’ve faced numerous breakup speculations. In an exclusive conversation with TopMob News at a July 18, 2022 Baskin-Robbins event, Matt expressed, “Everyone should take a break from social media. Our lives are so tied to our phones that when anyone takes a break from their phone 24/7, people think it’s the end of the world.”
However, Matt mentioned that marriage is still the long-term goal for them. He explained, “I think what’s good about our relationship is we move at our own pace. And you’ve seen with other couples—they rush into engagement and they’re not together anymore. So, I think what we have is a successful formula, and we’ll get there.”
Fast forward to January 2025, Matt confirmed their separation on Instagram. He wrote, “Father God, give Rachael and me strength to heal our broken hearts. Give us peace about this decision that surpasses worldly understanding. Shower our friends and family with kindness and love to console us. And remind us that our joy comes from you, Lord.

Status: Split

Following her intervention on Clare Crawley’s 2020 season of The Bachelorette, Tayshia found herself smitten with Zac Clark. Despite ending the season with an engagement, Tayshia shared in a later disclosure that their relationship experienced its fair share of highs and lows.

Speaking candidly as a lifestyle guide, it can indeed be challenging to navigate a fresh relationship while taking a brief break for a fortnight or so. It’s a situation many of us have found ourselves in and can empathize with, isn’t it? This was the sentiment expressed during an appearance on The Ben and Ashley I. Almost Famous podcast in August 2021.

Later on, she expressed, “It seemed as though we needed to recall our reasons for being together. And I believe that’s quite typical.” However, in November 2021, TopMob News reported that they had chosen different paths.

Status: Split

During season 16 of ‘The Bachelorette’, Clare became deeply smitten with Dale Moss. So much so that they got engaged by the fourth episode. However, the twists didn’t end there. After Clare was replaced by Tayshia, Dale announced on social media that his relationship with the hairdresser had ended weeks prior to this revelation.

Approximately a month after their initial separation, speculations about reconciliation swirled as they were observed in each other’s company once more. Jumping ahead to July 2021, following numerous get-togethers, Clare and Dale had fully rekindled their relationship, complete with an engagement ring. However, by September of the same year, they decided to part ways once more. Currently, Clare is happily wedded to Ryan Dawkins and they’re eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first child together.

Status: Split

After a short-lived engagement with Hannah Ann Sluss and a separation from Madison Prewett, fans had high hopes for Peter finding lasting love in his third attempt. However, it wasn’t meant to be with Kelley Flanagan, the star of The Bachelor season 24. On New Year’s Eve 2020, the pilot announced that their nine-month relationship had ended.

Pete shared on Instagram that although our relationship was brimming with many cherished moments, unfortunately, it didn’t succeed in the long run. However, Kelly will forever hold a unique place in my heart.

In 2022, the duo made another attempt at flying, but in May of this year, they disclosed that their relationship had reached its end point.

Status: Split

After the heart-wrenching finale in 2020, they shared on Instagram that they were parting ways romantically. “Madi and I have decided, after deep discussions, not to continue our relationship,” I penned down. “Let me assure you, this wasn’t an easy decision for either of us, but after heartfelt conversations, we realized that it was the wisest choice for us both. The affection and regard I hold for Madi will remain steadfast.

In her statement, Madi expressed, “I’ll forever cherish and honor him. I firmly believe that our lives were destined to intersect, making us both grow for the better as a result.

Status: Split

During The Bachelor’s season 24, I found myself deeply invested in Peter and Hannah Ann’s budding romance. However, during the finale’s second part, it became heart-wrenchingly clear that their relationship, just a month old, was facing significant challenges. To my dismay, it seemed Hannah Ann was left unaware by Peter about his lingering feelings for Madison, which had cast a shadow over their bond.

She said, “All along, all I wanted was for someone to offer their complete love, just as I am offering mine to them. Yet, you ended my first engagement,” she lamented upon returning the ring. “You took that from me. That’s what we shared – trust and faith in each other. ‘Wait for me, believe in me,’ were words you always asked me to live by.

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2025-06-27 04:48