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The Two Golden Bachelors: Gerry Turner And Mel Owens—Shocking Updates On Their Current Relationship Status

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The question "Who is The Golden Bachelor?" now has two definitive answers, reflecting the massive success and continuation of the beloved senior dating franchise. As of late 2025, the title belongs to two men who have captured the hearts of Bachelor Nation: the inaugural star, Gerry Turner, and the current lead, Mel Owens. While Gerry Turner’s journey concluded with a highly-publicized wedding, the latest and most shocking news is that his golden romance has come to an abrupt end, while the second Golden Bachelor’s love story is taking a much slower, more cautious path.

This article will provide a deep dive into both men—Gerry Turner and Mel Owens—their backgrounds, their time on the show, and the most current, up-to-the-minute details on their relationship statuses with the women they chose. The updates, especially concerning the first couple, are a must-read for any fan of the franchise.

Gerry Turner: The First Golden Bachelor and His Shocking Divorce

Gerry Turner was the man who launched a thousand ships—or at least, a highly-rated television spin-off. His emotional, genuine search for love after loss resonated with millions, making *The Golden Bachelor* a ratings phenomenon.

Gerry Turner’s Biography and Profile

  • Full Name: Gerry Wayne Turner
  • Age: 72 (during his season)
  • Hometown: Hudson, Indiana
  • Profession: Retired Restaurateur
  • Family: Widower, father of two daughters (Angie and Jenny), and grandfather of two granddaughters (Charlee and Payton).
  • Tragedy: His wife of 43 years, Toni, tragically passed away in 2017 after a sudden illness. His journey on the show was dedicated to finding a second great love.
  • Chosen Winner: Theresa Nist
  • Outcome: Engaged, married in a televised special in January 2024, and divorced in April 2024.

The Golden Romance That Ended in a Divorce Bombshell

Gerry Turner chose Theresa Nist, a financial services professional, in the emotional Season 1 finale, and the two tied the knot in a live, televised special on January 4, 2024.

However, the fairytale was short-lived. In a move that stunned Bachelor Nation and made headlines worldwide, Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist announced their decision to divorce in April 2024—just three months after their wedding.

The couple cited the difficulty of blending their lives and settling on a location, as Gerry was based in Indiana and Theresa in New Jersey. However, more recent reports have added complexity to the split. Gerry Turner later revealed that a bone marrow cancer diagnosis early in their union was a contributing factor to the abrupt divorce. The intense public speculation surrounding their financial status and prior relationships also put immense pressure on the couple.

In a further update, Theresa Nist has since commented on Gerry Turner's "new romance with girlfriend Lana," confirming that both have moved on and are seeking happiness after the end of their brief marriage.

Mel Owens: The Second Golden Bachelor and His Cautious Love Story

Following the monumental success of the first season, ABC greenlit a second season, introducing a new lead with a completely different background. The second man to hold the title of The Golden Bachelor is Mel Owens.

Mel Owens’ Biography and Profile

  • Full Name: Mel Owens
  • Age: 66 (during his season)
  • Hometown: Detroit, Michigan (currently lives in California)
  • Profession: Retired NFL Player turned Sports Lawyer
  • Career Highlight: Played as a linebacker in the NFL, following in the footsteps of his father, Walter Owens.
  • Family: Father of two sons.
  • Chosen Winner: Peg Munson
  • Outcome: Gave a promise ring to his winner; currently still together but not engaged.

Promise Ring vs. Engagement Ring: Mel and Peg’s Current Status

Mel Owens' journey, which premiered on September 24, 2025, concluded with him choosing Peg Munson. However, unlike the traditional *Bachelor* finale, Mel did not propose. Instead, he presented Peg with a promise ring, signaling a commitment to their relationship but an acknowledgment that they needed more time before taking the final step to marriage.

This decision was a significant deviation from the franchise's standard format, but it appears to be working for the couple. As of late 2025, Mel Owens and Peg Munson are still together and actively building their life as a couple. They have been candid about their reasons for not rushing an engagement, focusing instead on blending their families and enjoying their time together outside of the reality TV bubble.

Their relationship status provides a refreshing, realistic perspective on finding love later in life, proving that a solid relationship doesn't always need a rushed, televised proposal to be successful. They have been open about their lack of immediate engagement plans, which is a key update for fans following their story.

The Legacy of The Golden Bachelor Franchise

The premise of *The Golden Bachelor*—featuring a lead and contestants in their sixties and seventies—has been a massive hit for the ABC network. It successfully provided a refreshing new spin on the decades-old *Bachelor* franchise by focusing on mature individuals seeking a second chance at love after experiencing significant life events like loss and divorce.

The series has been praised for its genuine emotional depth, attracting higher ratings than any other *Bachelor* series since 2020. The success of both Gerry Turner's and Mel Owens' seasons, despite their different outcomes, solidifies the show's place in reality television. It has proven that the desire for love, companionship, and a new beginning is universal, regardless of age. The show’s format, which focuses on the unique challenges and joys of senior dating, has resonated deeply with viewers who appreciate seeing older adults represented in the search for romance.

Whether you're following the dramatic fallout of Gerry and Theresa's divorce or cheering on the steady, cautious romance of Mel and Peg, the Golden Bachelor franchise continues to deliver compelling, deeply human stories.

who is the golden bachelor
who is the golden bachelor

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