Gerry Turner thinks it’s time for Mel Owens to prune this request.
Following the lead actor from the second season of “The Golden Bachelor” expressing a preference for contestants aged 45 to 60, the star from the first season responded to these remarks made by his successor.
Gerry expressed his belief to Fox News Digital during an interview on July 22 that it would be unfortunate if things continued as they were, but he felt strongly that the individual would eventually have a change of heart. He suggested that this change might come about when the person appreciates the elegance and charisma of women over sixty, along with the self-assuredness they possess.
In the end of his season, Gerry, who is 73 years old, presented his final rose to Theresa Nist, also 71. However, they divorced last year, and now Gerry, the former restaurateur, has started dating a woman named Lana.
He went on to say, “The individuals I encountered during my time there were all special gifts to me. To have had the opportunity to know them… Each one of them contributed something distinct to the production, something distinctive to life.
When it comes to Mel, who’s turning 66 as he embarks on something new, here’s a straightforward piece of guidance: “Regard the age aspect less, focus more on the individual.
If he treats everyone kindly, listens carefully, pays attention, and doesn’t discriminate based on age, then I believe things will work out well.
Gerry’s response arrived a month later following his statement made on the MGoBlue Podcast with Jon Jensen, where he expressed his intention to eliminate any candidate aged 60 or older. In simpler terms, Gerry expressed his opinion that he would remove any contestants who are 60 years old or above from the competition.
Despite being advised against using the word “cut” in front of potential clients by a producer, he underscored that it was a common term used in NFL circles.
However, it’s not just age that the ex-athlete considers; he strongly feels that a partner who maintains physical fitness is an essential requirement in his relationship.
He mentioned that he maintains his fitness and exercises regularly, and also suggested to the producers to avoid using artificial hip replacements and wigs.
Meanwhile, former season one participant Kathy Swarts, who was eliminated in week four, offered understanding remarks regarding his comments.
She shared with Entertainment Weekly earlier this month that she believes Mel is seeking romance, but added that he might have spoken impulsively and not intended what he said. She’s optimistic that the upcoming season will be fantastic.
She jokingly implied that if Mel Owens were to meet her, given that she is over 70, he might not utter such a line. Instead, it would likely be something more like, “Wow, I didn’t realize someone could be this stylish and fabulous at your age, whether it’s 60 or 70.
Although Kathy is eagerly anticipating Mel’s season, she’s also open to a different suggestion. She playfully hinted, “I might just swoop in and steal him,” followed by, “If that happens, the show’s done.
Ahead of Mel’s journey to find love, find out where all the Bachelor Nation couples stand.
In the initial stages, Grant Ellis encountered 25 possible romantic prospects during his first night in the Bachelor mansion. Yet, it was Juliana Pasquarosa who received his final rose. Regrettably, the couple chose to end their relationship just under three months following the broadcast of their proposal.
Grant shared on his Instagram Story on June 13 that he and Juliana have made the difficult decision to end their relationship. Despite our best efforts, we’ve realized through deep discussions that we may not be compatible for the long term. We’ve invested a lot of love into each other during our time together.
Status: In a Relationship
After starring in the initial season of “The Golden Bachelor” and departing from Gerry Turner’s season prematurely, Joan Vassos later became the leading lady on the inaugural season of “The Golden Bachelorette”. It was during this time that she crossed paths with and accepted a proposal from contestant Chock Chapple.
Joan expressed during The Golden Bachelorette’s November 2024 finale that our experiences, no matter how challenging, always carry a glimmer of hope. In this breathtaking setting of Bora Bora, she confessed her feelings by saying, “I have been holding onto this moment to tell you something extraordinary: I love you deeply, and I want to share the remainder of my life with you. Every morning, I wish to open my eyes to your presence, and every night, I long to share a goodnight kiss with you.
In the season 21 finale of The Bachelorette, it seemed like former Bachelor contestant Jenn Tran had found her perfect match in Devin Strader. However, during After the Final Rose in September 2024, Jenn disclosed that Devin turned cold towards her once the cameras stopped rolling.
During the September 3rd episode, Jenn explained to host Jesse Palmer that the man she was in love with was making grand declarations of affection one day, but the next day seemed indifferent and denied ever having feelings for her. She lamented, “All the promises he made to me, all the love he said he wanted to give me… it just disappeared.
The events took an interesting turn as Devin decided to share a 13-minute video detailing his perspective on the situation via Instagram. Not only did he express remorse by taking accountability, but he also delved deeper into the reasons behind ending the relationship during a lengthy 15-minute phone conversation.
Instead of claiming in August that he ended their relationship over the phone, he asserted that Jenn had asked him why things were wrong and that he wanted to tell her in person, which is why she thought he dumped her during the call.
He said, “I was unsure about other options, but events seemed to compel me.” (He had been planning to share it with her face-to-face.)
Following that, Jenn gracefully made her way towards “Dancing With the Stars” and found herself deeply connected with her partner, Sasha Farber. They carried on dancing as a pair beyond their elimination in October 2024, but they parted ways in 2025.
Status: Broke Up
In November 2022, Greg Grippo, who was one of Katie Thurston’s suitors on The Bachelorette the previous year, joined Victoria Fuller in the season eight finale of Bachelor in Paradise. They announced they were together during that time. However, in April 2024, he disclosed that they had ended their relationship.
Prior to Victoria Fuller and Greg Grippo making their relationship official during the final episode of Bachelor in Paradise’s eighth season, Victoria Fuller had previously called off her engagement with her fellow cast member, Johnny DePhillipo.
Marital Status: Previously Married (Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist were married, but they divorced after their union)
Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist got engaged during the finale of the first season of Golden Bachelor in November 2023. They then officially tied the knot in a televised ceremony in January 2024. However, they ended up divorcing after their marriage.
However, three months after their nuptials, the couple announced that they were breaking up.
During their interview on Good Morning America with Theresa in April 2024, Gerry explained, “Theresa and I have shared many deep conversations and thoroughly examined our circumstances, including our living arrangement. We’ve both agreed that it appears appropriate for us to end our marriage.
They reached a divorce settlement in June 2024, according to court records reviewed by TopMob News.
In April 2025, Gerry disclosed on the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast that he had a new partner and things were progressing smoothly.
Relationship Status: Committed
After exploring relationships with 32 potential partners, tennis player Joey Graziadei finally found his ideal partner in project manager Kelsey Anderson. “I can’t hold back any longer to express my love for you,” Joey said to his chosen one during the March 2024 finale of the season. “There is something about you that captivates me. You have this contagious energy that makes me happy. It’s a feeling I’ve never experienced before.”
Pondering their future together, he added, “I had always imagined having a wonderful life, but I didn’t know just how wondrous it could be until I met you.
Relationship Status: Diverged
Despite not initially connecting during season nine of ‘Bachelor in Paradise’, underwater welder John Henry Spurlock and nurse Kat Izzo eventually took a chance on each other. As the season progressed, John Henry expressed his feelings by presenting an Ascher cut Neil Lane diamond, stating, “I’m going to try something a little different today. I’m following my heart, and it tells me that you are amazing, everything I’ve been searching for.”
However, just days after the season finale aired, the couple announced their separation. In a joint Instagram post, they explained, “Although our paths are diverging due to conflicting career aspirations, we are grateful for the love and support we’ve received from our families, friends, and Bachelor Nation.
Split and a Proposal
Although Eliza Isichei, one of Clayton Echard’s former partners, felt apprehensive about her upcoming commitment, she gracefully accepted Aaron Bryant’s oceanfront proposal while dressed in white. Delighted by Aaron’s thoughtful gesture of seeking permission from her mother for the proposal, Eliza exclaimed, “I had no idea what I was going to say next.”
The finale’s conclusion acknowledged that Eliza and Charity (her ex) encountered some difficulties following their return from Mexico. A few days later, they publicly announced their separation, with Eliza expressing her feelings on Instagram in December 2023: “Navigating these complex emotions as I watch everything unfold. We part ways amicably, maintaining only positive sentiments and mutual respect for each other.
Status: Split
Despite postpartum nurse Kylee Russell’s disappointment over boyfriend Aven Jones’ reluctance to propose—a step he supposedly intended to take during his courtship of Bachelorette Rachel Recchia—she eventually agreed to Aven’s proposal on “Paradise,” saying, “Let’s get out of here and make it work.”
This decision meant her planned engagement dress remained unused, but as she put it, “I had to do what felt right. Love involves taking risks.”
Two days after their finale aired in December 2023, she revealed on Instagram Stories that their relationship had ended due to multiple instances of infidelity. Aven later apologized to Kylee, admitting, “I made serious mistakes in the relationship and caused pain to someone I cared about deeply.
Charity Lawson playfully shared with TopMob News her delight about the current season, although it didn’t fully convey her excitement for the August 2023 grand finale. Integrative medicine specialist Dotun Olubeko declared their love as “perfect,” proposing to the child and family therapist by getting down on one knee, asking, “Will you make this fairytale come true?”
The couple hasn’t decided on a specific wedding date yet, but they are considering tying the knot in 2025 or 2026. Before their nuptials, however, Charity will dance her way through the Dancing With the Stars ballroom. On The Bachelorette: After the Final Rose, Dotun told Charity, “You love to have fun, you love to dance, and you love to enjoy yourself. We’ve talked about this—about how incredible this opportunity would be. And I am so excited to tell you that you will be on Dancing With the Stars! Let’s do this!
Status: Married
Zach will find his blissful conclusion. Although there were a few bumps along the way during the Fantasy Suite, Zach Shallcross ended season 27 in March 2023 on one knee. He confessed to travel nurse Kaity Biggar, “I am deeply in love with you. You are my world. The affection I feel for you is something I never thought possible.”
In July 2023, the couple from Texas took their relationship to a new level, as Kaity announced on Instagram, “Now officially housemates.
They married on May 23, 2025.
The current status is that Danielle Maltby and Michael Allio, who appeared on “Bachelor Nation” and seemed destined for a romantic relationship, have parted ways. Despite their efforts to make it work, they confirmed their split in September 2023, as shared by Michael during an episode of Jason Tartick’s podcast, “Trading Secrets.” He expressed that the breakup was difficult because they had invested a lot into their relationship and were mourning not only the loss of each other but also the future they had envisioned together.
Brandon Jones declared his eternal love for Serene Russell during their appearance on season seven of ‘Paradise’. However, their relationship didn’t last long. Just five months after their engagement aired, they announced their separation in a joint statement on Instagram in May 2023. They explained that trying to work on their relationship privately under the public eye was incredibly challenging and painful for both of them. They asked for understanding and requested no hate during this difficult time as there is still a lot of love between them.
Status: The relationship between pilot Rachel and general contractor Tino Franco encountered a halt when he kissed another woman during their 2022 season broadcast. On “The Viall Files”, he expressed, “I do not condone my actions at all. It was wrong, unfair to Rachel, and it continues to haunt me daily. I am ashamed of what I did and if I could go back in time and change it a million times over, I would.
The story unfolded as follows: Susie Evans and Bachelor Clayton Echard had a parting of ways six months after their reunion during the 2022 finale. Despite sharing happy moments together, Susie openly shared her feelings on her blog “Susie Was Like” that she wasn’t flourishing, and there was a disconnect between her true self and their relationship.
I, being a devoted fan, was thrilled when I started dating Justin Glaze from Bachelor Nation. However, our journey together came to an end, as we shared the news of our separation in August 2024.
Status: Separation
Minnesota elementary school teacher Michelle received a Neil Lane sparkler from Texas-based sales executive Nayte Olukoya, as well as a $200,000 check from producers to help with their future home. However, after six months following the season finale which aired in December 2021, they announced their breakup.
On The Viall Files, Nayte mentioned that their relationship had many ups and downs, arguments, and fights, adding that there was not much agreement between them. He also admitted that not having the final conversation about their separation in person was “not a very nice thing to do.”
Michelle began dating Jack Leius in 2023, and they announced their engagement the following year.
The duo from BIP season seven, Maurissa Gunn and Riley Christian, shared a dream of leisurely Sunday mornings with viewers. However, their time together, unfortunately, was limited to just a few weekends. In a joint statement issued in January 2022, they announced that they have chosen different paths. They never anticipated this, but they’ve reached a point where they both require personal growth. (Maurissa dated Peter Weber and Riley was one of Tayshia Adams’ suitors.)
Status: Split
The first same-sex couple from Bachelor Nation became engaged during the sixth season of ‘Bachelor in Paradise’, but they later parted ways and made their separation announcement on Halloween in the year 2019.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, they expressed that love and concern for each other have consistently been at the core of their relationship. They emphasized that their main focus has always been doing what’s best for them as a couple. With deep affection for one another, they made the difficult decision to step back from their relationship. In the long term, they desire what’s best for both of them, and at this moment, being apart allows them to grow individually.
Status: Engaged
Things didn’t quite turn out like paradise lost for Noah Erb and Abigail Heringer. Despite parting ways during the seventh season of The Bachelorette, they discovered their connection was more than just a fleeting moment. They had found something profound in each other that transcended time. Initially settling in San Diego, the travel nurse (a contestant for Tayshia’s affection) and the financial manager (who received Matt James’ first impression rose) recently made a significant life change by purchasing a home in Tulsa, his hometown.
Abigail expressed her excitement on Instagram in July 2023, “Getting ready to enter our Chip and Joanna Gaines era because your girl just bought her very first house!!!” She continued, “Can’t wait to start our next chapter and for all the memories we’ll create here!!” It appears that wedding plans are in the works. Prior to their move, Noah proposed at a beachfront San Diego home in August 2023.
As a devoted follower,
In preparation for their grand wedding next September, Serena Pitt (a finalist from Matt James’ season) and Joe Amabile (the Chicago grocery store owner recognized after being sent home night one by Becca Kufrin in 2018) chose to take a practice run at City Hall, close to their New York City residence. This little act took place about a year after they left Paradise as an engaged couple.
Serena, now co-hosting the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast with her spouse, excitedly declared “JUST MARRIED!!!” in an October 2022 video caption. “We’re still planning our big wedding for September,” she said, “but who wouldn’t want to get married twice?
As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it like this:
“I am overjoyed and deeply in love,” said Kenny Braasch, a renowned boy band manager, as he placed the stunning Neil Lane diamond ring on Mari Pepin’s finger during the 2021 finale of Paradise. “The thought of spending my life without you is unimaginable.”
After captivating Bachelor Matt and subsequently moving to Chicago, Kenny’s native city, Mari began planning their eternal future together. Before they exchanged vows in a beautiful oceanfront ceremony with 65 guests in Puerto Rico in November 2023, they made their bond permanent by getting matching tattoos during a memorable trip to the Bahamas in May 2023.
Status: Married
Becca, who was once the Bachelorette, and Thomas Jacobs (one of Katie Thurston’s suitors) started dating during season seven of ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ in 2021. They split up during the show but reconciled after filming ended. In May 2022, they announced their engagement, with Becca being the one to pop the question. As she shared with TopMob News, she hopes this empowers others to break traditional rules. Thomas returned the sentiment in October of the same year. In September 2023, they welcomed their first child, a son named Benson. Becca wrote on Instagram, “There’s no way to put into words the love and awe we have for this little guy.”
Just two months after bringing their son home, the couple decided to get married in an impromptu ceremony held on October 13, 2023.
Status: Split
In the climactic finale of The Bachelorette season 17 in 2021, I was ecstatic to witness Katie accepting Blake Moynes’ proposal. Our hearts connected deeply during our unique overnight date, which encompassed an exhilarating paintball adventure, a relaxing cowboy tub soak, and a heartfelt conversation beneath the starlit sky.
Bending down, Blake expressed to Katie, “You’re worthy of the whole world, and I’m thrilled to stand by your side and assist you each day from now on.
Approximately three months following the airing of their proposal, the pair revealed they were separating. In synchronized statements, they expressed, “We are deeply thankful for the precious moments we experienced together and the entire odyssey that transpired this year. However, we have determined that we aren’t suitable as lifelong companions, and it is the kindest action for us to progress separately.”
Now, she is betrothed to comedian Jeff Arcuri.
Current Status: Separated
In the time since Matt and graphic designer Rachael Kirkconnell parted ways during his 2021 season (following a brief separation and eventual reconciliation), they’ve been plagued by split rumors.
“I believe everyone needs to take a break from social media,” Matt shared exclusively with TopMob News at a July 18 Baskin-Robbins event. “Our lives are so often lived through our phones that when someone takes a break from their phone, people think it’s the end of the world.”
However, despite these speculations, Matt maintained that marriage was still their ultimate goal.
“I believe the good thing about our relationship is we go at our own pace,” the author of First Impressions: Off Screen Conversations With a Bachelor on Race, Family, and Forgiveness told TopMob News in May 2022. “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 recipe, and we’ll get there.”
Sadly, less than three years later, Matt confirmed their separation on Instagram, writing, “Father God, give Rachael and I strength to mend our broken hearts” alongside a throwback photo of them from The Bachelor. “Grant us peace about this decision to end our relationship that transcends worldly understanding. Shower our friends and family with kindness and love to comfort us. And remind us that our joy comes from you, Lord.”
Status: Split
Following Clare Crawley’s 2020 season of The Bachelorette, Tayshia got acquainted with and developed feelings for Zac Clark. Despite leaving her season as an engaged couple, Tayshia, who transitioned from the lead to co-host, later disclosed that their relationship encountered some highs and lows.
Being in a new relationship and then disappearing for a couple of weeks can be tricky, right? And I’m being completely honest about this, she shared on The Ben and Ashley I. Almost Famous podcast in August 2021.
After that incident, it seemed as though we needed to recall what brought us together in the first place. Such a sentiment appears entirely reasonable to me. However, it was announced by TopMob News in November 2021 that they had parted ways.
Status: Split
During season 16 of “The Bachelorette,” I found myself deeply smitten with Dale Moss. To my delight, we became engaged by the fourth episode. However, the twists didn’t cease as weeks later, Tayshia secured her own engagement. In an unexpected turn, Dale publicly announced on social media that his love story with the hairdresser had ended even after Tayshia took over the show.
Approximately a month later, whispers of reconciliation swirled around them as they were seen together again. Flash forward to July 2021; after numerous meetings, Clare and Dale had fully reunited—complete with an engagement ring. However, this was short-lived as they parted ways once more in September. Now, Clare is blissfully married to Ryan Dawkins, and they are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first child together.
Status: Split
Following a short courtship with winner Hannah Ann Sluss and a breakup with runner-up Madison Prewett, viewers hoped that things would work out for Peter in his third attempt at love. Unfortunately, it seemed destined not to be, as the romance between him and The Bachelor season 24 favorite Kelley Flanagan ended after nine months, with the pilot announcing on New Year’s Eve 2020 that their relationship was over.
In my post on Instagram, I shared that although Kelly and I had many wonderful moments together, our connection ultimately didn’t last, unfortunately. However, she remains someone who holds a unique place in my heart.
In 2022, I made another attempt at soaring again, yet come May of this year, I shared the news that our romantic journey had reached its end point.
Status: Split
After a dramatic ending in 2020, the couple shared on Instagram they’d no longer be continuing their romantic journey together. “Madi and I have mutually decided not to move forward with our relationship,” Peter wrote. “Although it was difficult for both of us, after many open discussions, we agreed that this decision is in our best interest. The affection and respect I hold for Madi will remain.
In her declaration, Madi expressed, “I’ll forever cherish and honor him. I am firmly confident that our lives were destined to intersect, and we’ve both grown from the experience.
Status: Split
During the 24th season of ‘The Bachelor’, Peter and Hannah Ann were engaged for a short while. Regrettably, only a month into their exclusive relationship, issues emerged during the second part of the finale. More precisely, Hannah Ann was taken aback by Peter’s ongoing affection for Madison, which caused tension in their relationship.
She said, “All I’ve ever wanted is for someone to offer their complete affection as I do to them. And yet, you ended my first engagement.” She voiced her feelings before returning the ring. “You took that away from me. It was trust you asked of me, and that’s what I gave – patience and faith in you.
Read More
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Microsoft has a new way to use AI in OneNote — but a “dumb” feature excites me more
- xAI’s $300/month Grok 4, billed as a “maximally truth-seeking AI” — seemingly solicits Elon Musk’s opinion on controversial topics
- Anime’s Greatest Summer 2024 Shonen Hit Drops New Look Ahead of Season 2
- Ryan Lochte Gets Cozy With New Woman Amid Kayla Reid Divorce
- How Much Does a PS5 Equivalent PC Cost in 2025?
- Why Stephen Baldwin Is “Blessed” By Justin & Hailey Bieber’s Marriage
- Bill Gates says AI will replace humans for most things — but coding will remain “a 100% human profession” centuries later
- Twilight Director Details “Earth-Shattering” Lesson From the Movie
- Xbox’s Forza Horizon 5 Sold an Outrageous 2 Million Copies on PS5 in a Month
2025-07-22 18:49