Even without a rose in her hand, Gerri Flowers walked away from The Golden Bachelor with something more enduring than a final rose — grace, gratitude, and a renewed belief in love.
The 64-year-old home care CEO from Rockville, Maryland, stunned fans when she was eliminated from Mel Owens’ season of the popular reality show in the Oct. 8 episode, now streaming on Hulu. The moment came as a surprise not only to viewers, but to Flowers herself — especially since she had earned the coveted First Impression Rose from Owens during the Sept. 24 premiere.
Still, Flowers’ trademark poise and positivity defined her exit. “I was nervous,” she told USA TODAY. “I did want a rose — I want to be transparent about that. And when Mel didn’t call my name, all I could say to myself was, ‘At least I got that first impression rose.’”
From First Impression to Fond Farewell
Flowers’ journey on The Golden Bachelor began with a spark that quickly captured viewers’ attention. Mel Owens, 66, was clearly taken with her charm and confidence on the first night, handing her the season’s inaugural rose. That moment seemed to cement Flowers as a frontrunner in the early episodes.
But as the season progressed, relationships evolved — and by Episode 3, Flowers found herself among the three contestants sent home, alongside Robin, 63, a wealth advisor from Napa Valley, and Roxanne, 62, a longevity nurse from Austin.
Even so, there was no bitterness from Flowers, who described herself as “smitten” with Owens. “He was so humble, so apologetic and so complimentary,” she said, recalling the Golden Bachelor’s heartfelt apology to the women after controversial past comments resurfaced about cutting contestants over age 60. “We all just sort of melted, and those comments went out the window. No one mentioned them anymore.”
Sisterhood Over Roses
While love with Owens wasn’t in the cards, Flowers found another kind of connection in the mansion — friendship. She described the camaraderie among contestants as one of the most unexpected joys of her experience.
“I never had the college sorority house experience,” she admitted. “Our room was so small, that, no lie, one would be in the shower, one going to the bathroom, one brushing her teeth, one putting on make-up. And I just loved it. That’s probably why we’re so close.”
Her lightheartedness shone through as she laughed about one particular behind-the-scenes rule. “It was such a festive atmosphere that the producers had to limit the alcohol,” she said. “I was always like, ‘When is the bar opening?’ I love my prosecco — my La Marca!”
That sense of fun and friendship continues beyond the show. “We’ve been planning trips, like for New Year’s Eve,” she revealed. “I’ve never had that before. My kids can’t believe I’m doing something nice for New Year’s.”
Healing Through Love and Loss
For Flowers, The Golden Bachelor wasn’t just about romance — it was also about reopening her heart after loss. Her husband, David, died suddenly from an aortic aneurysm when she was 47, leaving her to raise three children on her own.
“I’ve given 18 years to my children, who are very successful now,” she said. “I’m ready. It’s so my time.”
Her family has been deeply supportive of her decision to step into the public eye for a second chance at love. They joined her — some in person, others via FaceTime — to watch her final episode together. They saw her pose gracefully during a beach photo shoot with Owens and her fellow contestants, and then walk out with a smile when her name wasn’t called at the rose ceremony.
“My kids said to me, ‘Mom, you went out classy,’” Flowers shared proudly. “And I told them that it was fun. That’s the way you take that experience — you run with it.”
No Regrets, Just Gratitude
Despite her elimination, Flowers remains one of the standout personalities of the season. Her warmth, humor, and gracious exit resonated with viewers who praised her online for handling rejection with elegance. She continues to cheer for Owens and the remaining women as they pursue their journeys.
“I wish Mel the best,” she said sincerely. “He’s a wonderful man, and I hope he finds what he’s looking for.”
When asked whether she’s dating again since leaving the show, Flowers smiled and admitted she’s open to the idea — but not rushing. “I haven’t dated since leaving the show,” she said. “But my heart is open. The Golden Bachelor reminded me that love is still possible at any age.”
The Next Chapter
As of the next episode airing Oct. 15, six women remain in Owens’ quest for love: Cheryl, 66, a retired IRS employee from Colorado; Cindy, 60, a retired biomedical engineer from Austin; Debbie, 65, a fitness professional from Denver; Peg, 62, a retired firefighter and bomb technician from Las Vegas; Nicolle, 64, a yoga instructor from Miami Beach; and Carol, 63, family manager for baseball star Freddie Freeman from California.
While Flowers’ name won’t be among the finalists, her story continues to inspire audiences who have embraced The Golden Bachelor’s celebration of romance and second chances later in life.
For Gerri Flowers, it’s all about living fully and loving openly. “This experience gave me a new perspective,” she said. “I didn’t win the rose, but I gained confidence, friendship, and a sense of joy I hadn’t felt in a long time.”
And for a woman who once thought her romantic chapter had closed, that’s a victory worth more than gold.
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