After Golden Bachelor lead Mel Owens met — and was thoroughly impressed by — his 23 Golden Gals during the Season 2 premiere on Wednesday, September 24, he profusely apologized for those controversial “If they’re 60 or over, I’m cutting them” comments he made on a podcast earlier this year and gave the woman their flowers …literally. When it came time to hand out his most meaningful stem of the night, the first impression rose couldn’t have gone to a more perfect lady. Why? Well, she’s 64 and her last name is literally FLOWERS!
That’s right, Bachelor Nation. Give it up for Gerri Flowers!
While more than a few spunky seniors gave Owens sass and challenged his perceptions of older women when they hopped out of the limos, Gerri walked up with grace, class, a big smile, and a nurse’s hat. “Mel, it’s such a pleasure,” she said as she grabbed his hands. “I’ve been a nurse for 35 years, but I own a home care agency now…You know what, Mel? I can care for all your needs.”
With a wink and a hug, Gerri headed inside the Bachelor Mansion. But it wasn’t the last Night 1 conversation between Owens and the 64-year-old from Rockville, Maryland, who made quite the impression. So who is Gerri Flowers on The Golden Bachelor? And how did she get Owens’ first impression rose? Here’s everything we know about Gerri, including a recap of her first night with her golden guy.
According to her official ABC bio, “Gerri is as generous and kind as she is beautiful. She has worked in health care for over 35 years in roles ranging from an ICU nurse during COVID to currently serving as the CEO of a home health care agency. And while Gerri is very proud of her work, she’s even prouder of her kids and loves to brag about their accomplishments. This mom and grandma is ready to find love again and is looking for that best friend. She wants to spoil her man and says she hopes to be ‘his dessert after a long day.’ We hope Mel is hungry!”
During Gerri’s Night 1 intro video, she explained, “I am the owner of Comfort Home Care. My husband and I started the company 26 years ago, providing care to our Senior Saints in their homes. I took over as the CEO on the anniversary of my husband’s death. He had died of an aortic aneurysm at 47 years old. He was the love of my life. He left me with three beautiful children. It was extremely hard, but now it’s my time. David would want me to find love again. And now, 18 years after my husband’s death, I am so ready for love.”
Gerri has experienced her share of heartbreak over the years, but as saw in her Golden Bachelor first impression, she still knows how to have fun, and we’ve got the fun facts to prove it!
As Night 1 progressed, Gerri and Mel met back up outside the mansion for an intimate chat, during which Gerri opened up about her husband’s death and her three children. She also showed Mel the journal she brought with her, and read a precious letter from her oldest daughter. The two bonded over parenting and the fact that they hadn’t done anything for themselves in years, so Gerri announced, “It’s our time.”
After Mel chatted with the rest of the ladies and the sun came up, he grabbed his special stem and walked outside to pull Gerri aside. “Thank you for being here, because I know how hard it is to be away from your family,” Owens said. “You shared that story with me about your family and that you haven’t really done a lot for yourself in 10 years, and same for me. It’s been a while. Your letter from your daughter impressed upon me a lot, and so will you accept this first impression rose?”
Gerri graciously accepted the stem, and the two kissed and hugged before she hilariously said, “I never felt like this. It’s like winning the Super Bowl.” Mel, who had never won a Super Bowl, couldn’t relate! But he did his best to imagine the feeling.
“Wow I really have a connection,” Gerri told producers in a confessional after receiving the rose. “There is really chemistry between us. Looking back at our conversation, what I was feeling was real. There’s something very special about Mel. Gerri, it is your time now, and go with it.”
Since Bachelor Nation’s go-to spoiler Reality Steve doesn’t have any insights on The Golden Bachelor Season 2, we’ll have to tune in to new episodes Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC or watch next-day on Hulu to find out how far Gerri will go on Season 2. But considering she survived the first two rose ceremonies, we have high hopes for the future!
New Golden Bachelor Season 2 episodes premiere Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC.