Gerri Flowers reveals ‘Golden Bachelor’ friendships and funny moments
Gerri Flowers shares hilarious behind-the-scenes moments and deep friendships from “The Golden Bachelor” S2.
Gerri Flowers has no regrets and big love for “Golden Bachelor” Mel Owensdespite her surprise ouster from the Bachelor Mansion in the Oct. 8 episode (now streaming on Hulu).
Flowers’ departure is especially shocking after the 64-year-old home care CEO from Rockville, Maryland took the first impression rose from Owens, 66, in the Sept. 24 premiere.
Yet, two TV episodes later (Episode 3), Flowers was one of three contestants who did not receive a rose in the ceremony – exiting with Robin, 63, a wealth advisor from Napa Valley, California and Roxanne, 62, a longevity nurse from Austin.
“I was nervous. I did want a rose, I want to be transparent about that,” Flowers tells USA Today. “And when Mel didn’t call my name, all I could say to myself was, ‘At least I got that first impression rose.'”
Flowers says she was “smitten” with Owens and completely accepted the Golden Bachelor’s opening night apology to the women for past comments he made about cutting show contestants over age 60.
“He was so humble, so apologetic and so complimentary,” says Flowers. “We all just sort of melted, and those comments went out the window. No one mentioned them anymore.”
Despite growing discord among the contestants vying for Owens, Flowers says the group was “phenomanal” in tight conditions.
“I never had the college sorority house experience,” says Flowers. “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.”
In fact, it was such a festive atmosphere that the reality show’s producers set limits on alcohol consumption.
“I was always like, ‘When is the bar opening?'” says Flowers, who needed her prosecco. “I love my La Marca.”
Flowers says she wishes Owens, who is now down to six women, the best in his quest for love. But she looks forward to reuniting with the other ladies from the mansion.
“We’ve planning trips, like for New Year’s Eve,” says Flowers. “I’ve never had that before. My kids can’t believe I am doing something nice for New Year’s.”
Flowers’ husband David died from an aortic aneurysm when she was 47, leaving her to raise three children on her own. Getting on “Golden Bachelor” opened her heart to the idea of love again. While she hasn’t dated since leaving the show, she’s receptive to it.
“I’ve given 18 years to my children who are very successful now,” says Flowers. “I’m ready. It’s so my time.”
Her children and family, some via FaceTime, joined Flowers to watch her final episode. They all watched Flowers pose in a beach photo shoot with Owens and other contestants before the rose ceremony. When Flowers lost out, Owens escorted her to the waiting SUV. She never lost her smile.
“My kids said to me, ‘Mom, you went out classy,'” says Flowers. “And I told them that it was fun. That’s the way you take that experience. You run with it.”
Going into Episode 4 on Oct. 15 (ABC 8 ET/PT), there are six women left. They are:
- Cheryl, 66, a retired IRS employee from Lakewood, Colorado.
- Cindy, 60, a retired biomedical engineer from Austin.
- Debbie, 65, a fitness professional from Denver.
- Peg, 62, a retired firefighter and bomb tech from Las Vegas.
- Nicolle, 64, a yoga instructor from Miami Beach, Florida.
- Carol, 63, family manager for baseball all-star Freddie Freeman from Villa Park, California.
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