Golden Bachelor in Paradise: Love Blooms with Fan Favorites!

The final rose is out and looking for love in the sun is in.

Following the heartfelt decision by Grant Ellis and Juliana Pasquarosa to get engaged at the end of season 29 of ‘The Bachelor’, Jesse Palmer revealed one final surprise.

The popular show “Bachelor in Paradise” is coming back for its significant 10th season, and a fresh group of contestants are ready to set foot on the beach for the very first time.

Jesse extended an invitation to Zoe McGrady, the second runner-up of Grant’s season, to join him at the beach during the “After the Final Rose” event. However, he astonished the audience by introducing fan favorites Leslie Fhima and Gary Levingston, who were both popular among Golden Bachelor and Bachelorette fans.

Jesse declared to the audience during the live show on March 24, “Indeed, this event is taking place! For a first, contestants from both Golden edition (men and women) will be sunbathing on the shores of Paradise, joining your beloved characters from previous seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but wonder: “What’s the plan for this exciting journey?” You’ll need to stay tuned during the summer to discover when the fresh season of “Bachelor in Paradise” unfolds.

For the first time ever, silver foxes (Leslie, Gary, Hakeem Moulton, and Jonathon Johnson) who were once contestants on “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette,” will be seen on a beach together. Leslie and Gary previously competed for Gerry Turner’s and Joan Vassos’ hearts, respectively. Previously announced were Hakeem Moulton and Jonathon Johnson from Jenn Tran’s season.

Before announcing the return of Bachelor in Paradise on air, Jesse hinted at the prospect, suggesting the involvement of Golden contestants.

Speaking with Us Weekly in October, I expressed my admiration for the casts from Gerry’s and Joan’s seasons, stating they were simply incredible. Moreover, if we’re to continue this project, it mustn’t be set in a retirement location like Atlantic City or Naples, Florida. Instead, I believe a tropical beach setting would be ideal, and of course, air conditioning should definitely be included.

He expressed that the “Bachelor” series seems to incorporate numerous diverse elements, and it appears a blend of old and new concepts are being considered. He’s thrilled about it, adding that he has dearly missed visiting the beach over the last year.

Before cranking up the temperature at the beach, continue reading to discover the romantic statuses of these beloved Bachelor Nation personalities…

In a delightful twist of events, Joan Vassos, who gained fame as a contestant on the premiere season of “The Golden Bachelor” and unexpectedly departed Gerry Turner’s season, later became the star of “The Golden Bachelorette’s” inaugural season. It was during this journey that she found her heart’s delight in the form of Chock Chapple. In the November 2024 finale of “The Golden Bachelorette,” Joan expressed, “Life may throw challenges at us, but there’s always hope, even at our age.” The romantic moment unfolded in Bora Bora, where Chock took the opportunity to express his deep feelings: “I’ve saved this special moment in this breathtaking locale to tell you that I love you. I yearn for a future where I wake up next to you each morning and share good nights with you.

Status: Split

 

In the Season 21 finale of The Bachelorette, it seemed like former Bachelor contestant Jenn Tran had found her perfect match with her final choice, Devin Strader. However, during After the Final Rose in September, Jenn, aged 26, disclosed that Devin, who is also 28, abruptly stopped being attentive towards her once the cameras were off.

 

During the September 3rd broadcast, Jenn expressed to host Jesse Palmer that the man she was involved with had been expressing strong declarations of love one day, only to vanish and deny any feelings of affection the next. She stated that all the promises he had made to her, as well as the love he had professed to give her, seemed to have vanished without a trace.

 

The events unfolded further as Devin posted a 13-minute video on Instagram, detailing his perspective and expressing accountability, while also explaining the reasons behind ending the relationship during a 15-minute phone conversation.

 

Instead of asserting that he ended their relationship over the phone in August, as Jenn claimed, he stated that she pressed him for answers about their situation while he was trying to figure out how to tell her in person that things weren’t working out between them.

 

He clarified that he wasn’t sure about any other options, implying he had been planning to share the information with her face-to-face. Essentially, she made the decision for him, or put him in a position where he had no choice but to act.

 

Ever since then, Jenn has strolled towards Dancing With the Stars, and speculations about her romantic involvement with Sasha Farber have persisted. They’ve been fueling these rumors since their elimination on October 29.

Status: Split

Back in November 2022, Greg Grippo (who was among Katie Thurston’s suitors on The Bachelorette the year before) appeared alongside Victoria Fuller during the season eight finale of Bachelor in Paradise. During their time there, they publicly declared that they were in a relationship. However, in April 2024, he shared that the relationship had ended.

Initially, Victoria Fuller and Johnny DePhillipo were engaged, but before they revealed their relationship on the finale of Bachelor in Paradise‘s eighth season, they parted ways or split up.

Status: Divorced

Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist became engaged in November 2023, during the final episode of the first season of ‘Golden Bachelor’, and they officially married in a live broadcast wedding ceremony in January 2024.

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

During an interview on Good Morning America with Theresa in April 2024, Gerry stated, “Theresa and I have shared many intimate discussions about our lives, including our living arrangement. After careful consideration, we both agree that it’s likely best for us to end our marriage.

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

Status: Now in a Relationship (or simply: In a Relationship)

Tennis player Joey Graziadei has found his ideal partner after courting 32 potential suitors. His chosen one is project manager Kelsey Anderson. During their season finale in March 2024, Joey expressed his deep feelings for his beloved, saying, “I can’t wait any longer to tell you that I am deeply in love with you.” He then knelt down on one knee and proposed. “There is something special about you,” he said, “You have an energy that makes me smile. It’s a sensation I’ve never experienced before.”

Envisioning their future together, he added, “For some time now, I had imagined having a wonderful life, but I didn’t realize just how extraordinary it could be until I met you.

Status: Separated

Although underwater welder John Henry Spurlock and nurse Kat Izzo didn’t find a connection until halfway through season nine of ‘Bachelor in Paradise’, they were ready to take the plunge. “I’m going to try something different,” he said, presenting an Ascher cut Neil Lane diamond. “Today I’m following my heart. My heart tells me that you are wonderful, you are everything I’ve been searching for.”

However, a few days after the season finale, they announced their separation. “Although our paths are diverging due to our career aspirations not being in harmony,” they explained in a joint Instagram post, “we are thankful for the love and encouragement we’ve received from our families, friends, and ‘Bachelor Nation’.

Situation: Separation
Despite her apprehension regarding a proposal in Paradise, elegantly attired Eliza Isichei (one of Clayton Echard’s past relationships) graciously agreed to Aaron Bryant’s oceanfront proposal. Touched by the software salesman’s gesture of contacting her mother for her approval, she expressed, “I knew I was not in command of what would slip out from my lips.”
The finale’s conclusion hinted that Eliza and her ex-marketing manager had encountered some hurdles following their time in Mexico, and subsequently, they announced their official breakup.
“Complex feelings watching it all play out,” he posted on Instagram in December 2023. “We’re navigating our friendly separation with nothing but goodwill and mutual respect for each other.

As a dedicated follower of heartwarming love stories, I found myself following the romance between postpartum nurse Kylee Russell and Aven Jones. Initially, I was disheartened when Aven seemed reluctant to propose – an action he reportedly planned during his time on The Bachelorette with Rachel Recchia. However, his Paradise proposal to “escape this place and make things work” won me over.

Even though it meant my dreams of seeing Kylee in her engagement dress remained unfulfilled, I realized that love is about taking risks. As she put it, “Love is all about taking risks.”

Just two days after their December 2023 finale aired, Kylee shared on her Instagram Stories that their relationship had ended due to multiple infidelities. Aven later apologized to Kylee, acknowledging his mistakes and the pain he caused her by writing, “I have made major errors in our relationship and hurt someone who was very dear to me.

Status: In a Relationship
Charity Lawson playfully expressed her satisfaction with this season’s outcome to TopMob News, a sentiment that fell short of the grandeur of her August 2023 finale. Dotun Olubeko, an integrative medicine specialist, then knelt down and declared their love as “perfect,” posing the question, “Would you grant me the privilege of transforming this fairy tale into reality?”

As they await their happily-ever-after (potentially in 2025 or 2026), Charity will first grace the dance floor on Dancing With the Stars. Dotun excitedly told Charity during The Bachelorette: After the Final Rose, “Alright, sweetheart, I know you love to have fun, to dance, and to enjoy yourself. You know we’ve discussed this—about how fantastic this opportunity would be. And I am thrilled to be the one to share with you that you’ll be on Dancing With the Stars! Let’s do it!

 

Status: Enaged has been rephrased as: Zach Shallcross is set to have a blissful future. Although there were some bumps along the way during the Fantasy Suite, Zach Shallcross concluded season 27 in March 2023 on one knee. “I am completely in love with you,” he confessed to travel nurse Kaity Biggar. “You are my universe. The affection I have for you surpasses anything I could ever have imagined.”

In July 2023, the couple from Texas progressed further in their relationship, as Kaity posted on Instagram, “Now official roommates.” They’re currently making arrangements for their October 2025 wedding vows.

The status of Danielle Maltby and Michael Allio has changed from a potential Bachelor Nation power couple to exes. Despite their promising relationship following their appearance on different seasons of the show, they have parted ways. This split occurred a year after Maltby moved from Nashville to be with Allio in Ohio. In an episode of Jason Tartick’s Trading Secrets podcast in September 2023, Allio shared the news, expressing regret and mourning the loss not only of their relationship but also the future they had imagined together.

Brandon Jones declared his love for Serene Russell during their appearance on season seven of ‘Paradise’, stating he would love her until the end of time. However, their journey together was tragically short-lived. Five months after their engagement aired, they released a joint statement in May 2023 announcing their split. “We’ve struggled privately with our relationship, which has been difficult given the public nature,” they explained on Instagram. “This has been extremely painful for both of us, but we ask that people show compassion and refrain from spreading hate.

Status: The relationship between pilot Rachel and general contractor Tino Franco hit a snag when he was caught kissing another woman during their 2022 season broadcast. In an interview on “The Viall Files,” he expressed regret, stating, “I have no defense for my actions at all. It was wrong, unfair to Rachel, and I still feel the weight of it daily. It’s something I’m deeply ashamed of and would change if given the chance a million times over.

The situation: Divorced

Indeed, it was quite an experience. Susie Evans, initially turned down Bachelor Clayton Echard‘s advances during the 2022 finale, but later reconnected with him off-screen… only to separate again six months afterwards.

However, Susie, a videographer based in Los Angeles, claims their separation was necessary. In a November 2022 post for her blog “Susie Was Like”, she wrote, “The people close to me could see that my radiance had faded and I wasn’t flourishing.” She admitted they “had many happy moments together, but deep down, I was struggling and felt out of sync with the best version of myself.

After dating Justin Glaze, a contestant from Bachelor Nation, Susie later revealed that they had parted ways as well, announcing their split in August 2024.

Current State: Broken up

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

On The Viall Files, Nayte admitted to “lots of ups and downs, lots of arguments, lots of fights, and not really clicking with Michelle.” Despite acknowledging that not having an in-person conversation about their breakup was “a dick move,” he moved on and started dating Jack Leius in 2023. They announced their engagement the following year.

The dynamic duo from BIP season seven, Maurissa Gunn and Riley Christian, successfully conveyed their vision of idyllic Sunday mornings to viewers. However, despite the initial harmony, their journey together lasted only a few weekends. In a joint statement issued in January 2022, their patient coordinator, Maurissa (who was involved with Peter Weber), and attorney Riley (one of Tayshia Adams’ suitors) revealed that they have chosen to part ways. They never anticipated this situation, but they have reached a point where they both need to focus on personal growth.

Status: Split

The first same-sex couple from Bachelor Nation announced their separation in October 2019, having gotten engaged during the sixth season of “Bachelor in Paradise”.

In their shared statement on Instagram, they expressed that love and concern for each other have been the cornerstones of their relationship since the beginning. However, they made it clear that their primary focus is ensuring their own well-being. With a sense of deep affection towards one another, they have chosen to step back from their relationship for now. This decision was made with the long-term goal in mind, as they believe that being apart and growing individually will ultimately benefit them both.

Status: Engaged

Things didn’t quite end up in paradise for Noah Erb and Abigail Heringer when they split during the seventh season of The Bachelorette. However, their connection was so strong that they could see forever in each other’s eyes. After initially settling in San Diego, the travel nurse (who vied for Tayshia’s affection) and the financial manager (who received Matt James’ first impression rose) decided to purchase a home in his hometown of Tulsa instead.

In July 2023, Abigail shared her excitement about their new home on Instagram by writing, “Getting ready to enter our Chip and Joanna Gaines era because your girl just bought her very first house!! I’m excited to start our next chapter and for all the memories we’ll create here!!” The couple is now planning their wedding, which will likely take place before their move. Noah popped the question at a beachfront home in San Diego in August 2023.

As a devoted follower, I’d put it like this:

“Getting hitched twice in one lifetime? Why not! My beloved and I, Serena Pitt (a finalist from Matt James’ season) and Joe Amabile (the charming Chicago grocer who stole hearts after being sent home on Becca Kufrin’s 2018 season), thought it wise to have a little dry run. So, we decided to tie the knot again, this time at City Hall in our beloved New York, around a year after leaving Paradise as an engaged couple.

Fast forward to October 2022, and here we are, officially “JUST MARRIED”! Now, hosting the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast together, I proudly announced the news with the caption: ‘We’re still having a grand wedding in September, but who wouldn’t want a double wedding?!’

Kenny Braasch, a boy band manager, declared his deep affection for Mari Pepin as he put a Neil Lane diamond ring on her finger during the finale of Paradise in 2021. “I’m absolutely smitten by you,” he said, adding, “I can barely imagine my life without you.” After their elimination by Tayshia Adams in week five, Mari Pepin, a former Maryland beauty queen, moved to Kenny’s hometown of Chicago and began planning their future together. Before they tied the knot in a small oceanfront ceremony in Puerto Rico in November 2023, they made their relationship official with 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, who was among Katie Thurston’s suitors, developed a relationship. However, they split up during the show, only to reconcile post-production. In May 2022, they revealed their engagement, with Becca being the one to propose. “I hope that others can now feel empowered and accept breaking traditional rules,” she shared with TopMob News. Later in October 2023, they welcomed their first child, a son named Benson. On Instagram, Becca expressed her feelings by saying, “No words can express the love and awe we have for this little boy.”

Approximately a month after bringing home their newborn, Benson, the couple decided to tie the knot in an impromptu ceremony held on October 13.

Status: Split

In the final episode of season 17 of “The Bachelorette” in 2021, Katie became engaged to Blake Moynes. Their romantic moment occurred during their overnight date that featured a paintball adventure, a cowboy tub, and a heartfelt chat under the night sky, where they confessed their love for each other.

Lowering himself to a single knee, Blake expressed to Katie, “You are worthy of the entire world, and I am eager to stand by your side and offer my support each day from now on.

Approximately three months following the broadcast of their proposal, the couple disclosed their separation. In synchronized statements, they expressed, “We are deeply thankful for the precious moments we experienced together and the incredible journey that unfolded throughout this year. However, we have come to realize that as life partners, we are not a suitable match, and it is the kindest decision for us both to progress individually.”

Now, she is betrothed to comedian Jeff Arcuri.

Over the years since my journey with graphic designer Rachael Kirkconnell on the 2021 season concluded (followed by a brief separation and reunion), we’ve been no strangers to rumors about our supposed breakups.

“I truly believe everyone needs a digital detox,” I shared exclusively with TopMob News at a Baskin-Robbins event on July 18, 2022. “Our lives are so intertwined with social media that when anyone takes a break from their phone, it seems like the end of the world.”

In reality, marriage has always been our ultimate goal.

“I believe the strength of our relationship lies in our ability to move at our own pace,” I told TopMob News in May 2022, author of First Impressions: Off Screen Conversations With a Bachelor on Race, Family, and Forgiveness. “And you’ve seen with other couples—they rush into engagement and they’re not together anymore. So, I believe we have a successful formula and will reach our destination.”

However, in early 2025, I announced that Rachael and I had parted ways once more.

“Father God, grant Rachael and me the strength to heal our broken hearts,” I wrote on Instagram on January 16, 2025, alongside a nostalgic photo of us on The Bachelor. “Grant us peace about this decision that surpasses human understanding. Fill our friends and family with kindness and love to console us. And remind us that our happiness comes from you, Lord.”

Status: Split

Following her replacement for Clare Crawley in the 2020 season of The Bachelorette, Tayshia found herself smitten with Zac Clark. Although they departed her season as an engaged couple, it was later disclosed that their relationship experienced some peaks and valleys by none other than the ex-Bachelorette who transitioned into a co-hosting role.

Being in a new relationship and then taking off for a few weeks can be tricky, you understand what I’m saying? And I want to be straightforward and truthful about it,” she expressed on the ‘The Ben and Ashley I. Almost Famous’ podcast in August 2021.

After that incident, it seemed as though we should recall what brought us together in the first place. I believe this is entirely typical. However, according to TopMob News’ confirmation in November 2021, they decided to part ways.

Status: Split

In the whirlwind of season 16 of “The Bachelorette,” I, a hopelessly smitten fan, found myself utterly captivated by none other than Dale Moss. By the fourth episode, I was left spellbound as Clare and I shared the same heartfelt feelings for him, resulting in an engagement that sent shockwaves through the show. However, the rollercoaster ride didn’t end there. Weeks after Clare’s successor, Tayshia, also received a proposal, Dale made headlines once more when he shared on social media that his love story with the hairdresser had sadly come to an end.

A month after our initial encounter, whispers of reconciliation swirled when we were sighted together once more. Fast-forwarding to July 2021, following numerous reunions, Clare and I found ourselves back in each other’s arms—ring included. However, come September, we parted ways again. Now, Clare and I, Ryan Dawkins, are blissfully married and eagerly anticipating the arrival of our first child together.

Status: Split

Following a short-lived courtship with Hannah Ann Sluss and later separation from Madison Prewett, fans had high hopes for Peter’s luck in love improving. Regrettably, his relationship with The Bachelor season 24 star Kelley Flanagan didn’t work out as planned. On New Year’s Eve in 2020, the pilot announced that their nine-month romance was over.

Pete shared on Instagram, “Although our bond was rich with many cherished moments, unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to last. However, Kelley remains someone I hold dear and will forever cherish.

In 2022, they made another attempt to fly again, but later in May, they disclosed that their relationship had come to an end.

Status: Split

After the intense 2020 finale, the couple announced on Instagram that they had decided to part ways in their relationship. Peter stated, “Madi and I have mutually agreed not to continue our relationship further. This was a difficult decision for both of us, but after numerous heartfelt discussions, we have come to the conclusion that this is what is best for us. The love and respect I hold for Madi will remain unchanged.

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 the better for it.

Status: Split

During season 24 of ‘The Bachelor’, Peter and Hannah Ann had a brief engagement. However, in the second part of the finale, it became clear that they were facing issues just a month into their exclusive relationship. More specifically, Hannah Ann was taken aback when she learned about Peter’s continuing affection for Madison.

She stated, “All I’ve always wanted was for someone to offer their complete affection, as I was giving mine to them. And you ended our first engagement,” she shared before returning the ring. “You took that away from me. That’s what you’ve asked me to do – trust you and be patient. Have faith in me.

In a significant turn of events, after their nomadic lifestyle phase, Dean Unglert and Caelynn Miller-Keyes, two reality TV stars from The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise respectively, are now a married couple. They parted ways during season six of Paradise in 2019 but have been inseparable since then.

Fast forward to 2022, the couple got engaged and tied the knot at a rustic wedding in the Colorado mountains on September 23rd. Caelynn expressed her joy and love for her husband-to-be to TopMob News before their vows, saying, “I just love him so much. I’m really excited to be marrying someone who is such a good person, who always makes me laugh, even on my bad days. I think our life together is going to be incredibly fun.

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2025-03-25 15:48