Jesse Palmer Weighs In on Mel Owens’ 45–60 Dating Decree

Sweet frappuccinos, my caffeine-fueled brain is scrambling after The Golden Bachelor’s Mel Owens just dropped that 45-to-60 dating decree, and franchise host Jesse Palmer couldn’t resist chiming in! On July 3, Jesse—yes, the cool 46-year-old ex-quarterback turned Bachelor Nation host—confessed to Us Weekly that he’s definitely seen Mel’s age-limit headlines all over social media. He admitted he hasn’t had much face time with the retired NFL linebacker yet (the cameras haven’t started rolling), but from what he’s heard, Mel “seems like a good guy.” Cue my jittery excitement—apparently Jesse’s already circling back to dissect those fiery comments once production kicks off.

You know Mel Owens earned his Golden Bachelor stripes after leading a stellar NFL career, but on MGoBlue Podcasts With Jon Jansen back in early June, he revealed his casting wishlist with laser precision. He told producers he wanted women aged 45 to 60—period—quipping, “If they’re 60 or over, I’m cutting them.” He didn’t stop there: Mel insisted his future partner “has got to be fit,” jokingly warning the crew to steer clear of “artificial hips and wigs.” I mean, talk about setting a strict dress code for love! His candid chat has fans split right down the middle.

Social media exploded faster than a double espresso drip, with one high-profile voice calling foul. Selling Sunset’s Chrishell Stause hopped onto Instagram Stories on June 26, wailing that The Golden Bachelor’s charm lies in its wholesome, heartwarming vibe. She warned that this kind of “age gatekeeping energy will ruin it.” Ouch—that’s a bitter blend! Other Bachelor Nation devotees flooded Twitter and TikTok, debating whether Mel’s honesty is refreshing or downright exclusionary. I’ve got to say, I’m leaning toward “bring popcorn.”

Meanwhile, the franchise keeps delivering post-show tea about a few past couples. Grant Ellis and Juliana Pasquarosa, who tied the knot in viewers’ hearts last year, quietly parted ways just weeks after their finale aired—Grant admitted in an Instagram Story that despite pouring so much love into each other, they weren’t a forever match. On a brighter note, Golden Bachelor alum Joan Vassos snagged an engagement ring from Chock Chapple on The Golden Bachelorette finale in Bora Bora, reminding us that love can bloom at any age. And poor Jenn Tran confided on After the Final Rose that Devin Strader went cold once the cameras stopped rolling, leaving her with nothing but a frosty follow-up.

With Jesse Palmer promising he’ll hash out these age-limit fireworks in person, Bachelor Nation should buckle up. Will Mel Owen’s candid calculus recalibrate the season’s romance? Keep your mugs topped and your notifications on—this is one caffeinated saga I swear I could chat about all day. I need my next latte stat!

Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! Online, Us Weekly, MGoBlue Podcasts With Jon Jansen, Chrishell Stause Instagram Stories
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed