When Mel Owens meets the women vying for his affection on the latest season of “The Golden Bachelor,” they won’t only have to impress him. They’ll also need to win over his children.
Owens, a former NFL player-turned-lawyer, is likely to bring up his two adult sons in conversations during the dating series. Chances are, they’ll appear in later episodes, like what happened in “The Golden Bachelor” and “The Golden Bachelorette.”
Here’s what Owens has shared about being a dad — including how his sons convinced him to become “The Golden Bachelor.”
Owens Has 2 Sons from His Former Marriage
Owens and his ex-wife welcomed two sons, Lucas, 20, and Andre, 18, during their marriage.
Per his “Golden Bachelor” bio, Owens’ marriage ended around the same time that his own father died. At that point, he “channeled his energy into being the best father he could be, focusing on raising his sons and coaching their extracurricular sports teams.”
Owens’ ex-wife Fabiana Pimentel Owens filed for divorce in 2020, according to court records viewed by TODAY.com. The divorce was finalized in 2024.
He Delayed Dating to Take Care of His Kids
Following the end of his first marriage, Owens focused his attention on being a “devoted dad,” per his ABC bio.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the father of two explained why he waited a few years to search for love again after his divorce.
“I was taking care of my boys,” he said. “They needed all my attention, and I was working (as a lawyer). I just didn’t have time (to date).”
Owens told USA Today that his sons live “primarily” with him. “I cherish that great father-son relationship,” he said. “Every morning I get to be with them before they go to school.”
Owens’ Sons Are Supportive of His ‘Golden Bachelor’ Journey
In the weeks leading up to the premiere of “The Golden Bachelor,” Owens appeared in a promotional video with his sons on the show’s Instagram account.
In the clip, Lucas explained why he was happy to hear his father was taking the leap of faith to become the next Golden Bachelor.
“I thought it was a good opportunity for you to put yourself out there,” he said.
Andre agreed, saying, “We hope you find someone you truly love.”
While reflecting on his father’s journey as the new Golden Bachelor, Lucas said, “You’re never too old to fall in love.”
“I think you’re right,” Owens agreed.
Owens then asked his sons if they were going to give him some dating advice and Lucas recommended that he “just be a gentleman.”
“We know you’re going to find somebody at the end of this,” Andre said.
Per People, Andre was the one who encouraged him to sign up for “The Golden Bachelor.” While speaking at Disney’s Get Real Event, Owens recalled the story.
“We were watching the regular ‘Bachelor’ earlier on. He goes, ‘Yeah dad, you should be the Bachelor,’” he said. “The ad came out for (‘The Golden Bachelor’). He goes, ‘But you should be the real one though.’”
Owens’ Sons Are Athletes
Owens’ sons have followed in their father’s athletic footsteps. In the promotional video for “The Golden Bachelor,” they referenced their love for sports and their father’s support for their passions.
Lucas called Owens “loving” and “caring” and Andre said he appreciated how his father was always “showing up for our games, helping us train.”
“There’s nothing like it when you have kids,” Owens said. “There’s a whole new meaning to love. Watching you guys play, coaching you, it’s been a joy. It still is.”