The Golden Bachelor: Who won the first impression rose during the premiere?

The Golden Bachelor’s second season kicked off on September 24, 2025, with 66-year-old Mel Owens meeting 23 women, all hoping to win his heart. The show, meant for singles in their 60s and beyond, puts a spotlight on love later in life, something TV usually skips. But one woman instantly stood out from the crowd.

Gerri, a 64-year-old CEO from Rockville, Maryland, snagged the all-important first impression rose, a signal that Mel felt an immediate spark. In the Bachelor world, that rose isn’t just a flower; it’s basically a neon sign pointing to who might go far.

Her limo entrance was unforgettable; she showed up in full nurse gear, stethoscope and all. The move made Mel laugh, but it also struck a chord since her career in healthcare matched well with their heart-to-heart chat on The Golden Bachelor. With both chemistry and charm on her side, Gerri may already be leading the pack as this season of The Golden Bachelor’s story unfolds.

How did Gerri react to her first impression rose win on The Golden Bachelor?

Gerri expressed complete surprise at receiving Owens's first impression rose on The Golden Bachelor during an exclusive interview with Us Weekly. She described being "absolutely shocked" by the unexpected honor.

"I had no idea and I was just so thankful. But I just could not even imagine," Gerri revealed while on set for the first group date.

The Maryland native admitted feeling like the entire experience was surreal. She compared her emotions to living in a dream state that felt too good to be true.

"Someone pinch me please. Because this is not happening to me. This is just not happening. It's amazing," she told the publication.

Her genuine surprise suggests authentic connections rather than calculated strategic behavior often seen in reality dating competitions. The pair's initial conversation covered deeply personal territory that resonated with both participants. Gerri shared details about her late husband and experiences raising children as a widow.

"Mel said that it touched his heart," Gerri explained about their emotional exchange.

She described their connection as "very endearing," indicating genuine emotional intimacy developed quickly between them. This personal vulnerability often signals strong potential for lasting relationships. The willingness to discuss difficult personal history demonstrates Gerri's openness to authentic connection rather than surface-level attraction.

Gerri's memorable nurse costume during the limo entrance helped her stand out among 22 other contestants. The creative outfit choice reflected her healthcare background while adding playful elements to their first meeting. She immediately noticed Owens's eyes, describing them as having a genuine twinkle that attracted her attention.

"I thought he was very handsome, and there was something in his eyes that twinkled very genuine," Gerri shared.

Physical attraction played a role in their initial connection. Gerri confirmed being "absolutely" attracted to Owens once she stepped out of the limousine. This immediate chemistry, combined with meaningful conversation, created the foundation for receiving the first impression rose.

What insight did Jesse Palmer offer?

Jesse Palmer, who hosts the series and previously served as The Bachelor himself, bonded with Owens over their shared NFL backgrounds. Both men understand the pressures of reality television dating. Palmer offered valuable advice based on his own Bachelor's experience years earlier. He emphasized the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in building connections with contestants.

"You have to show the women the good, the not perfect, and you have to put your walls down as early as you can," Palmer advised Owens.

The Golden Bachelor host stressed that genuine leadership requires emotional openness, encouraging Owens to model vulnerability so contestants would follow suit. Receiving the first impression rose positions Gerri as an early favorite in the competition. This recognition often correlates with deeper connections and potential final selections in the Bachelor franchise history.

Her combination of meaningful conversation, physical attraction, and memorable entrance created a strong foundation for future development with Owens throughout the season.

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You can watch The Golden Bachelor on Thursdays at 8/7c on ABC, with episodes streaming the next day on Hulu.

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