Mel Owens is addressing his eyebrow-raising dating parameters.
After a few weeks since the fresh face of the “Golden Bachelor” stirred up debates with his comment about not considering partners beyond 60 years old, I, being a keen observer, have come to learn that this sports legend from the Los Angeles Rams, in fact, maintains an open mind when it comes to connecting with women across various age groups.
In a conversation with Glamour magazine on August 1st, Owens shared that his last dating experience was around the ages of 39 or 40. Since his divorce from Fabiana Owens in 2020 and their 20-year marriage beforehand, he had not dated for roughly 26 to 27 years. At that point, he admitted that since he hadn’t dated again, his frame of reference for potential partners was primarily his own age.
Indeed, following the controversy surrounding his age limit remarks, he was gently scolded by an older female friend who is around the same age as him.
He recalled saying, “‘What you said is way off base,’ she told me. To which I responded, ‘I need to offer an apology.’
In my line of expertise, I always emphasize transparency and honesty. As an athlete-turned-lawyer, I made it clear during my stint on ABC’s reality show that I wasn’t privy to the age parameters they had in mind when selecting potential suitors for me.
He confessed, “The age group I found suitable was between 45 and 60.” This, he explained, is his preferred age range. When he encountered someone fitting this description, he would respond, “Ah, alright.” He went on to say that these years seemed like the ‘peak’ or golden years for him. His perspective, he admitted, was shaped by his dating experience at 39 and 40. At that time, he had been out of the dating scene for 26 years, so he was not well-informed about current trends. This is why his comment, he explained.
Owens also revealed he made nice with his season two suitors following his polarizing age comments.
The father of two admitted his mistake on the show and apologized to the women involved. Upon entering, he immediately acknowledged his error and expressed remorse. He stated, “It was unfair and insensitive. I want to make amends. Please give me a chance.” Hopefully, over the last couple of weeks, he has managed to regain some of their trust.
As for how the singles reacted to his apology?
“One of the dates was a roast,” he revealed. “It was brutal. They were killing me. It was good.”
No matter what, Owens wanted to convey a message to fans considering missing his season due to the uproar.
To regain trust, you must be sincere in your actions,” he explained. “Everyone there is intelligent enough to discern if you’re being dishonest or insincere. That’s why I emphasize the importance of staying genuine. However, I acknowledge that my past actions were wrong, and I understand if people are angry about it. It’s unjust and thoughtless, as I previously stated. I must earn back their trust with every second I spend on this show.
The second season of “The Golden Bachelor” will debut on ABC on September 24. Until then, check out the latest news about which couples from Bachelor Nation are still going strong and which ones have parted ways following their stint on the program.
As for how the singles reacted to his apology?
“One of the dates was a roast,” he revealed. “It was brutal. They were killing me. It was good.”
No matter what, Owens wanted to address those considering missing his season due to the recent uproar.
He emphasized the importance of sincerity in one’s work to regain trust, stating that everyone there is intelligent enough to detect dishonesty or insincerity. Therefore, he advises being attentive and truthful at all times. However, he acknowledges that his past actions were wrong, which warranted anger. He admits it was unjust and thoughtless, as previously mentioned. To make amends, he must earn trust back in every moment he appears on the show.
The second season of “The Golden Bachelor” will air on ABC starting September 24. Until then, stay tuned as we bring you updates about which couples from Bachelor Nation are still going strong and who have parted ways following their time on the show.
Status: Separation
Grant Ellis encountered 25 possible romantic interests on his debut night at the Bachelor mansion, but in the end, Juliana Pasquarosa was the one who received his final rose. Regrettably, this couple ended their relationship just under three months after their proposal aired on television.
As I pen down these words, I must admit it’s one of the more challenging posts I’ve had to craft, but I believe in transparency and truth. I am sharing that Juliana and I have mutually decided to part ways. We’ve put our hearts into this relationship, investing a great deal of love, but after extensive discussions, we’ve come to realize that, despite our best efforts, we may not be the perfect match for each other in the long run.
Status: Now Engaged
After starring in the inaugural season of “The Golden Bachelor” and departing from Gerry Turner’s season prematurely, Joan Vassos later became the lead on the first season of “The Golden Bachelorette.” It was during this stint that she encountered and accepted a proposal from contestant Chock Chapple.
As an ardent admirer, I stand here, a testament of resilience, declaring that even amid life’s toughest battles, there lies a beacon of hope. This was the heartfelt sentiment I expressed during The Golden Bachelorette’s finale in November 2024, moments before Chock extended his heartfelt proposal in the breathtaking beauty of Bora Bora. In this magical setting, I chose to reveal my deepest feelings: “I’ve longed for this moment in this awe-inspiring place to share with you that I am enamored by you. I yearn to start each day by your side and end it with a goodnight kiss.
In the Season 21 finale of “The Bachelorette”, it appeared as though former “Bachelor” contestant Jenn Tran had found her perfect match in Devin Strader. However, during the post-finale special “After the Final Rose” in September 2024, Jenn disclosed that Devin distanced himself from her once the cameras were turned off.
During the September 3rd broadcast, Jenn shared with host Jesse Palmer that the man she was involved with had been expressing passionate declarations of affection one day, only to completely disappear and deny any romantic feelings the next. She explained, “All the vows he made to me, all the love he claimed to have for me seemed to vanish overnight.
The situation escalated further as Devin posted a 13-minute video on Instagram detailing his perspective of events, also acknowledging his part in the breakup by taking responsibility, and providing context for his decision during a 15-minute conversation on the phone.
In August, Jenn asserted that he ended their conversation as if breaking up with her over the phone. However, he countered by saying that Jenn asked him what was wrong and he was attempting to figure out how to tell her in person instead.
He said, “I wasn’t sure about any other options,” explaining that he had held off telling her in person. “In a way, she made the decision for me.
Following that, Jenn gracefully made her way towards “Dancing With the Stars” and found herself enamored by her partner, Sasha Farber. The pair persisted in dancing together beyond their October 2024 dismissal; however, they parted ways in 2025.
Status: Separated
In November 2022, Greg Grippo, a former suitor of Katie Thurston on The Bachelorette from the previous year, appeared alongside Victoria Fuller in the season eight finale of Bachelor in Paradise. There, they disclosed that they were in a relationship. However, by April 2024, he announced that their relationship had ended.
Prior to Victoria Fuller and Greg Grippo making their relationship official during the finale of Bachelor in Paradise’s eighth season, Victoria Fuller and her fellow cast member Johnny DePhillipo had called off their engagement.
Relationship Status: Previously Married (Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist were married, but they got divorced)
In November 2023, Gerry Turner proposed to Theresa Nist during the final episode of the first season of Golden Bachelor. They then exchanged vows in a televised wedding ceremony held in January 2024. However, it appears that their marriage did not last long as they are now divorced.
However, three months after their nuptials, the couple announced that they were breaking up.
During their appearance on Good Morning America with Theresa in April 2024, Gerry explained, “Through numerous deep discussions and careful analysis of our circumstances, including our living arrangement and more, Theresa and I have arrived at a mutual decision. It appears that it’s now appropriate for us to end our marriage.
They reached a divorce settlement in June 2024, according to court records reviewed by TopMob News.
In the spring of 2025, Gerry shared on the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast that he had found a new partner and things were progressing positively.
Relationship Status: Betrothed
Tennis player Joey Graziadei, after seeking the ideal partner among 32 potential candidates, found his soulmate in project manager Kelsey Anderson. “I can’t bear another second without expressing my love for you,” Joey confessed to his chosen one, during the finale of March 2024. “There is something extraordinary about you. You have this captivating energy that brings joy. It’s a sensation I’ve never experienced before.”
Envisioning a lifetime together with the lady from Louisiana, he added, “I had a sense for some time that I desired a wonderful life, but I hadn’t truly comprehended how extraordinary that life could be until I encountered you.
The pair, John Henry Spurlock (a suitor of Charity Lawson) and Kat Izzo (who vied for Zach Shallcross’ affection), didn’t hit it off until halfway through season nine of “Bachelor in Paradise”. However, they were ready to take a chance. As he presented an Ascher cut Neil Lane diamond, John said, “I’m going to try something different today. My heart is guiding me, and it tells me that you are remarkable, you are everything I’ve been searching for.”
Sadly, just days after the season finale aired, they announced that their paths were diverging because of conflicting career goals. “Though our lives are heading in separate directions, we are thankful for the love and encouragement we’ve received from our families, friends, and Bachelor Nation,” they expressed in a joint Instagram post.
Although Eliza Isichei, dressed in white and one of Clayton Echard’s former partners, felt apprehensive about accepting Aaron Bryant’s oceanfront proposal amidst a Paradise engagement, she graciously agreed. Touched by Aaron’s thoughtful gesture of seeking her mother’s approval, she exclaimed, “I had no control over the words that would come out.”
The final episode hinted at some challenges faced by Eliza and her ex, marketing manager Charity, following their return from Mexico. A few days later, they shared the news of their amicable split, expressing nothing but positivity and mutual respect for each other on social media.
Status: Divorced
Initially, postpartum nurse Kylee Russell expressed disappointment with boyfriend Aven Jones’ reluctance to propose – a step he had reportedly been ready to take during his courtship of Bachelorette Rachel Recchia. However, she eventually agreed to Aven’s proposal from ‘Bachelor in Paradise’, stating her desire to leave the situation and make it work.
This decision meant her wedding dress remained untouched, but Kylee felt compelled to follow her heart. “Love is about taking risks,” she explained.
Two days following their December 2023 finale, she revealed on Instagram Stories that the relationship had fallen apart due to repeated infidelities. Aven later apologized to Kylee through a post, acknowledging his mistakes and the pain he caused her: “I have made significant errors in our relationship and hurt someone who was very dear to me.
Status: Engaged
Charity Lawson playfully revealed to TopMob News that her August 2023 finale was more than she could have hoped for. Integrative medicine specialist Dotun Olubeko, dropping to one knee, declared their love as “flawless,” posing the question, “Would you consent to transform this fairy tale into a reality?”
Though their future happily ever after is yet to unfold—the couple mentioned they are contemplating a wedding in 2025 or 2026—first, Charity will grace the dance floor on Dancing With the Stars. “Alright, sweetheart,” Dotun told Charity on The Bachelorette: After the Final Rose. “Since you enjoy dancing and having fun, you know we’ve discussed this—about how fantastic this opportunity would be. And I am thrilled to be the one to tell you that you’ll be appearing on Dancing With the Stars! Darling, let’s do it!
Status: Married
Zach will find his blissful conclusion. Despite some bumps along the way during the Fantasy Suite, Zach Shallcross concluded season 27 in March 2023 by getting down on one knee. He expressed, “I am so in love with you,” to travel nurse Kaity Biggar. “You are my world. The love I feel for you is something I could have never imagined.”
In July 2023, the couple from Texas took their relationship to a new level by moving in together, as Kaity announced on Instagram, “Now officially living together.
On May 23, 2025, they got married at a small chapel ceremony which Kaity referred to as a charming event. Despite initially planning a grander wedding, she shared during the June 2025 episode of the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast that she felt it was unnecessary. She expressed, “I stepped back and thought, ‘Maybe we don’t need all this.’ The essence of a wedding is preserving our love and connection, and I felt like I was focusing too much on minor details.
One unique aspect truly captivated her – the very same aunt who put forward her name for a chance at winning Zach’s affection discovered and fell in love with the picturesque chapel where the wedding took place. As she expressed, “It was simply perfect.
The current status of Danielle Maltby and Michael Allio, who appeared on season seven of BIP and seemed destined to become a Bachelor Nation power couple, is now ‘Split’. Despite moving from Nashville to Ohio to be together, they have since parted ways. Michael shared his sentiments about their breakup in a podcast episode with Jason Tartick in September 2023, expressing sadness over the demise of their relationship and the loss of the future they had imagined for themselves.
Brandon Jones declared his eternal love for Serene Russell during their appearance on season seven of “Paradise”. However, just five months after their engagement, they announced their separation in a joint statement posted on Instagram. They had been struggling privately with their relationship due to the public eye and asked for no negativity as they were both going through a painful time.
Status: The relationship between pilot Rachel and general contractor Tino Franco hit a roadblock when he was seen kissing another woman during their 2022 season broadcast. In an interview on “The Viall Files,” Tino admitted, “I in no way condone my actions. It was wrong, unfair to Rachel, and it continues to weigh heavily on me. I am deeply ashamed of what happened and if I could go back and change it a million times over, I would.
The situation: Split
Well, it certainly was an adventure. Susie Evans, during the 2022 finale, initially turned down Bachelor Clayton Echard‘s proposals, but then reconnected with him away from the cameras…only to separate again six months later.
However, Los Angeles-based videographer Susie maintains that their separation was for the best. In a November 2022 post on her blog “Susie Was Like,” she expressed that her energy had dimmed and she wasn’t flourishing as she should. She admitted they shared many happy moments, but deep inside, she was grappling with difficulties and felt out of sync with the ideal version of herself.
Susie subsequently started dating a contestant from Bachelor Nation, Justin Glaze, but later in August 2024, they shared that their relationship had ended.
The situation is that Michelle, a teacher at an elementary school in Minnesota, received a Neil Lane sparkler from Nayte Olukoya, a sales executive based in Texas, as well as a $200,000 check from producers to help fund their future home. However, after six months following the finale of their season which aired in December 2021, they announced their split.
During an interview on The Viall Files, Nayte expressed that there were many highs and lows, numerous arguments, and disagreements, stating that they simply didn’t see eye-to-eye. Despite acknowledging that not having the final breakup conversation in person was “a dick move,” he admitted to the ups and downs.
After their split, Michelle began dating Jack Leius in 2023, and later announced their engagement. Their wedding took place in Minnesota in June 2025.
The pair Maurissa Gunn and Riley Christian, from BIP season seven, found harmony with their shared vision of idyllic Sunday mornings. However, they were only able to spend a few dozen weekends together. In a joint statement released in January 2022, their patient coordinator, Maurissa (who had a relationship with Peter Weber), and attorney Riley (one of Tayshia Adams’ suitors), announced that they have chosen to part ways. They never anticipated this outcome, but have reached a point where they both need to focus on personal growth.
Status: Split
On the sixth season of “Bachelor in Paradise,” television’s initial same-sex couple announced their engagement, but they revealed their separation in October of 2019, which happened to be Halloween.
In their shared announcement on Instagram, they expressed that love and concern for each other have always been central to their relationship. Their primary focus has been making decisions that benefit them as a couple. With hearts heavy with affection, they concluded that taking a break from the relationship is what’s best for both of them at this time. They aim for what will ultimately be beneficial in the long term, and currently, that means growing separately.
Current Status: Engaged
In simpler terms, despite breaking up during The Bachelorette’s seventh season in Mexico, Noah Erb and Abigail Heringer discovered an eternal connection. Initially residing in San Diego, the travel nurse (from Tayshia’s competition) and the financial manager (recipient of Matt James’ first impression rose) recently purchased a home in his hometown of Tulsa. In a July 2023 Instagram post, Abigail expressed her excitement, stating, “About to enter our Chip and Joanna Gaines era because your girl bought her very first house!!!” She also looked forward to their future together, saying, “Excited to start our next chapter and for all the memories we’ll create here!!” As part of their new beginnings, Noah proposed at a San Diego beachfront home in August 2023. Preparing for some wedding plans before their relocation.
Serena Pitt and Joe Amabile, both finalists from different Bachelor seasons, decided to go ahead and get legally married at City Hall in New York City before their official wedding next year. This impromptu ceremony took place about a year after they left “Bachelor in Paradise” engaged. Serena, who now co-hosts the “Bachelor Happy Hour” podcast with her husband, announced the news on an October 2022 video by saying, “JUST MARRIED!!” and adding, “We’re still having a wedding next September, but who wouldn’t want to get married twice?
Kenny Braasch, a boy band manager, gushed about his deep affection for Mari Pepin as he presented her with a Neil Lane diamond ring on the finale of Paradise in 2021. He expressed, “I am so deeply in love with you,” and added, “I can’t imagine my life without you.” Following their elimination by Tayshia Adams in week five, Mari moved to Kenny’s hometown, Chicago. Before they tied the knot in a small oceanfront ceremony in Puerto Rico in November 2023, they made their commitment permanent by getting matching tattoos during a trip to the Bahamas in May 2023.
Status: Married
Becca Kufrin, who was previously on The Bachelorette, and Thomas Jacobs (a contestant from Katie Thurston’s season) started dating during Bachelor in Paradise season seven in 2021. They broke up on the show but reconciled afterwards. In May 2022, they announced their engagement, with Becca taking the lead in propossing. She expressed hope that others would feel empowered to break traditional rules. Thomas reciprocated this sentiment in October of the same year. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Benson, in September 2023. On Instagram, Becca wrote about her feelings for the newborn: “No words can express the love and awe we have for this tiny man.” Just weeks after Benson’s birth, they got married in an impromptu ceremony on October 13, 2023.
Status: Split
In the final episode of season 17 of “The Bachelorette” in 2021, Katie got engaged to Blake Moynes. This romantic duo expressed their love for each other during their overnight date that included a paintball adventure, a cowboy tub experience, and a heartfelt chat under the night sky.
Bending down on a knee, Blake expressed to Katie, “You are worthy of the whole world, and I am eager to assist and be by your side each day from now on.
Approximately three months following the airing of their proposal, the pair publicly announced their separation. In synchronized statements, they expressed their gratitude for the shared experiences and the year’s events, but acknowledged that they were not meant to be lifelong partners. They believed it was kindest for both parties to move forward individually.
Now, she is married to comedian Jeff Arcuri.
Current Status: Separated
Since Matt and graphic designer Rachael Kirkconnell parted ways during his 2021 season (followed by a brief reconciliation), they have faced numerous breakup speculations.
In an exclusive interview with TopMob News at a July 18 Baskin-Robbins event, Matt stated, “I believe everyone should take a break from social media. Our lives are constantly displayed on our phones, so when someone stops being online 24/7, people think it’s the end of the world.”
Despite this, Matt mentioned that marriage is still their ultimate goal. He told TopMob News in May 2022, “The good thing 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.”
However, approximately three years later, Matt announced their separation on Instagram, posting, “Father God, give Rachael and me strength to heal our broken hearts.” Accompanying the message was a throwback photo of them from The Bachelor. “Grant us a peace about this decision to end our relationship that surpasses human understanding. Show kindness and love to comfort our friends and family. And remind us that our joy comes from you, Lord.
Status: Split
Following Clare Crawley’s 2020 season of The Bachelorette, Tayshia became acquainted with Zac Clark and developed feelings for him. Despite leaving her season with an engagement, Tayshia later disclosed that their relationship encountered some highs and lows.
Being in a new relationship and then disappearing for a while can be tricky, right? And I’m being sincere about this,” she expressed on the podcast ‘The Ben and Ashley I. Almost Famous’ in August 2021.
After that incident, it seemed as though we needed to recall the reasons for being together, and that is perfectly natural. However, in November 2021, TopMob News reported that they had parted ways.
Status: Split
During season 16 of “The Bachelorette,” Clare became deeply smitten with Dale Moss. So much so, they got engaged by the fourth episode. However, the surprises didn’t end there. Weeks after Tayshia took over as the lead, Dale announced on social media that his relationship with the hairdresser had ended.
Approximately a month later, whispers of reconciliation circulated as they were seen together once more. Fast-forwarding to July 2021, following multiple get-togethers, Clare and Dale had fully rekindled their relationship, complete with a ring. However, in September, they decided to part ways again. Now, Clare is blissfully married to Ryan Dawkins, and she’s a mother to her daughter Rowen.
Status: Split
As a die-hard fan, I had pinned my hopes high when Peter embarked on his third romantic journey, following his short-lived engagements with Hannah Ann Sluss and Madison Prewett. However, fate seemed to have other plans for the pilot, as his romance with Kelley Flanagan, who stole hearts in The Bachelor season 24, didn’t last its intended course. On New Year’s Eve of 2020, Peter confirmed that our nine-month journey together had come to an end, leaving us fans yearning for more.
Pete shared on Instagram that although our bond held many cherished moments, sadly, it didn’t last, in the end. Yet, Kelley remains someone who will forever hold a unique place in my heart.
In the year 2022, they made another attempt at flying together, but later in May, they disclosed that their relationship had come to an end.
Status: Split
After the intense 2020 ending, the pair announced on Instagram that they would no longer be working on their relationship. “Madi and I have mutually decided not to continue our relationship,” Peter wrote. “I assure you this was a difficult decision for both of us, but after many sincere discussions, we have concluded that this is what’s best for the two of us. The affection and regard I hold for Madi will remain strong.
In her statement, Madi expressed that she’ll forever cherish and honor him. She is firm in the belief that their lives were destined to intersect, and they have both grown for the better as a result.
Status: Split
During the 24th season of “The Bachelor,” Peter and Hannah Ann were engaged for a short while. However, during the second part of the finale, it became clear that they were facing challenges just a month into their committed relationship. More specifically, Hannah Ann was taken aback when she learned about Peter’s lingering emotions towards Madison, which had not fully resolved.
She said, “All I’ve ever wanted is for someone to love me completely as I love them. And you ended my first engagement,” she lamented, returning the ring. “You took that from me because I trusted you, and that’s what I’ve been asking of you all along – to be patient with me, to have faith in me.
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2025-08-01 18:49