Gerri Flowers didn’t leave The Golden Bachelor with a final rose, but she did walk away with something even more meaningful — a heart full of gratitude, deep friendships, and the joy of rediscovering herself.
The 64-year-old home care CEO from Rockville, Maryland, captured viewers’ hearts from the start of The Golden Bachelor Season 2. In the Sept. 24 premiere, she made a lasting impression on Mel Owens, the charming 66-year-old widower looking for love on national TV. Owens awarded her the coveted First Impression Rose, signaling instant chemistry and early frontrunner status.
But just two episodes later, fans were stunned when Flowers’ name wasn’t called at the rose ceremony in the Oct. 8 episode (now streaming on Hulu). The surprise elimination sent shockwaves through Bachelor Nation — but Gerri handled it with the same grace and composure that made her a fan favorite.
“I was nervous,” she admitted in an interview with 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.’”
‘Smitten’ but Standing Tall
From their first meeting, Flowers was “smitten” with Owens. His warmth and sincerity — especially after apologizing for comments he’d made about cutting contestants over 60 — impressed her deeply.
“He was so humble, so apologetic and so complimentary,” she recalled. “We all just sort of melted, and those comments went out the window. No one mentioned them anymore.”
Even after her exit, she has no resentment toward Mel. “He’s a wonderful man,” she said warmly. “I wish him the best in his search for love. He deserves happiness.”
The Real Love Story: Sisterhood
While Gerri didn’t find lasting romance in the mansion, she discovered something equally powerful — sisterhood.
The group of women competing for Mel’s heart bonded in unexpected and joyful ways, often under cramped and chaotic circumstances. “I never had the college sorority experience,” Flowers laughed. “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.”
She described the atmosphere in the mansion as “phenomenal” — a mix of support, laughter, and shared vulnerability. “We were all women who’ve lived full lives — raised kids, worked hard, experienced loss,” she said. “That created an instant connection.”
It wasn’t all rose ceremonies and glamor, though. “It was such a festive atmosphere that the producers had to set limits on alcohol,” she said with a laugh. “I was always like, ‘When is the bar opening?’ I love my prosecco — I love my La Marca!”
Even after filming wrapped, the bonds have endured. “We’ve been planning trips, like for New Year’s Eve,” Flowers shared. “I’ve never had that before. My kids can’t believe I’m doing something nice for New Year’s.”
A Heart Reopened
For Flowers, joining The Golden Bachelor was more than just a television adventure — it was a deeply personal act of courage.
At 47, she lost her husband, David, to an aortic aneurysm. The sudden tragedy left her raising three children on her own and focusing entirely on her family and career. “I’ve given 18 years to my children, who are very successful now,” she said. “I’m ready. It’s so my time.”
Appearing on the show helped her rediscover the part of herself that still longed for love and companionship. “Getting on The Golden Bachelor opened my heart again,” she reflected. “It reminded me that it’s okay to want love — and that it’s never too late to find it.”
Though she hasn’t started dating since leaving the show, she’s not closing that door. “I’m open,” she said. “This experience gave me confidence that love is still possible.”
A Classy Goodbye
Viewers saw Flowers’ signature elegance as she exited the mansion after not receiving a rose. She smiled warmly, thanked Owens, and walked away with dignity.
Her family — who watched the episode with her, some in person and others via FaceTime — couldn’t have been prouder. “My kids said, ‘Mom, you went out classy,’” she recalled. “And I told them, it was fun. That’s the way you take that experience. You run with it.”
She looks back on the journey not as a loss, but as a celebration of new beginnings. “It was such a joyful experience,” she said. “I met amazing women, I grew as a person, and I got to show my kids that life doesn’t end at 60.”
What’s Next for the Golden Crew
As of Episode 4 (airing Oct. 15 on ABC), Owens’ journey for love continues with six remaining women: 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 all-star Freddie Freeman from California.
Though Gerri’s name isn’t on that list, her presence continues to be felt by fans who admired her confidence, humor, and authenticity. Online, viewers have called her “the definition of grace” and a “true golden woman.”
And as for Gerri? She’s simply grateful. “I didn’t walk away with a rose,” she said, smiling. “But I walked away with something far more beautiful — a reminder that it’s never too late to live, laugh, and love again.”
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