Bachelor Nation has been eager for more information regarding the new Golden Bachelor ever since ABC announced Mel Owens would be handing out roses.
The network confirmed on April 22 that the NFL linebacker-turned-lawyer, 66, will lead season 2 of The Golden Bachelor. The press release noted that he married his “first love” following his nine seasons on the Los Angeles Rams. While they didn’t use her name, Us Weekly can confirm Mel married Fabiana Owens in 2002. They were together for 17 years and nine months when she filed for divorce in 2020.
The Golden Bachelor announcement noted that Mel’s divorce and the loss of his father have been a turning point in his life.
“While life took an unexpected turn with the passing of his father and the end of his marriage, Owens channeled his energy into being the best father he could be, focusing on raising his sons and coaching their extracurricular sports teams,” the press release read. “Now, after several years as a devoted dad, Owens is ready to rediscover a love rooted in the simple joys of companionship — sharing life’s everyday moments, making plans for the future, and growing stronger together as a couple. As the Golden Bachelor, he’s eager to meet someone who shares this vision and finally find that perfect teammate he’s been waiting for in his golden years.”
Related: ABC Announces the Next Golden Bachelor: Meet Mel Owens
With The Bachelorette on pause, ABC is gearing up for its second senior to hand out golden roses. ABC announced on Tuesday, April 22, that Mel Owens, a 66-year-old former NFL veteran-turned-lawyer, will star on season 2 of The Golden Bachelor. “Born and raised in a close-knit Midwestern family in Detroit, Owens’ athleticism shone through […]
Host Jesse Palmer gave Us insight into Mel on the same day of the announcement, noting he had “some hills and valleys in his personal life.”
“I don’t think he’s necessarily looking for anything heavily extravagant. When you talk with him, what he misses most about being married and being in a relationship, it’s just having and enjoying those simple everyday moments,” Jesse explained. “He’s just looking for companionship. It’s just really pure and just listening to him talk about it is really moving. So I think he’s going to be a great lead. I think he’s a great choice to be our next Golden Bachelor.”
Keep reading for more on Mel’s family:
When Did Mel Owens Get Married?
According to his divorce paperwork, obtained by Us, Mel and Fabiana tied the knot on May 17, 2002. They were married for nearly 18 years.
Related: Every Bachelor Nation Couple That Has Tied the Knot
Between The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Bachelor in Paradise and The Bachelor Winter Games, multiple couples have found true love — and a select few have made it down the aisle. On The Bachelor, a winning couple didn’t get married until season 17. Sean Lowe and Catherine Giudici married in a TV wedding in 2014. However, […]
How Many Kids Does Mel Owns Have?
Mel and Fabiana share two sons: Lucas (born in 2005) and Andre (born in 2007). At the time of the divorce filing, they agreed to joint custody.
“I had a chance to visit with him and his kids yesterday, and it’s really a unique and special bond to watch,” Jesse told Us. “I think he’s in this unique time now where he can finally focus a little bit more on it himself. His kids are getting ready to go off to college, and I think he really wants to find a special person.”
What Was the Age Gap Between Mel Owens and His Wife?
Court docs indicate Mel is 19 years older than Fabiana.
When and Why Did Mel Owens Get Divorced?
Mel and Fabiana called it quits in February 2020, filing for divorce that same month and citing irreconcilable differences.
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