The second season of The Golden Bachelor concluded on November 12, 2025, with a finale that took an unexpected turn. Mel Owens, the 66-year-old lead, did not propose in the traditional sense. Instead, after his other finalist made a dramatic exit, he offered a promise ring to Peg Munson, a 62-year-old retired firefighter from Las Vegas.
The Final Two Women
Mel’s journey ended with two women: Peg Munson and Cindy Cullers, a 60-year-old retired biomedical engineer from Austin, Texas. Throughout the season, Mel noted their different qualities, describing Cindy as more open and affectionate, while Peg was harder to get to know at first but possessed incredible energy.
As the finale began, Mel’s connection with both women seemed strong, but questions about his readiness for a swift commitment began to surface, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion.
Cindy Cullers’ Self-Elimination
The finale’s biggest shock came when Cindy Cullers decided to leave the show. This happened after a tense conversation where Mel revealed he could not see himself getting married for “maybe two years.”
Cindy expressed her frustration, stating she gave him every opportunity to ask for patience but felt he couldn’t even go there emotionally.
โI cannot believe what Iโm listening to,โ Cindy said. โHeโs like, ‘Just wait for two years. Let me see where I am in two years.’ Iโm sorry, but if you find a person that makes a good partner, thatโs your time to commit.โ
She explained her decision to leave, saying, โHeโs not interested in making any type of commitments for several years. Iโm in my golden yearsโIโm 60 years oldโand Iโm not interested in being put on hold. He is just not my person.โ
After walking Cindy out, a stunned Mel admitted, โIโm shocked. The date with Cindy, it was perfect. I came in tonight thinking there was a future. But she quitโฆ I donโt know what Iโm gonna do.โ
Mel Chooses Peg With a Promise Ring
With Cindy gone, Melโs path was clear. He introduced Peg to his two sons, Andre and Lucas, who gave their resounding approval. Lucas told his father, โI think youโre, like, the perfect gal for my dad, because the energyโyou help bring him up, the uplifting.โ
Mel ultimately chose Peg, but he did not get down on one knee for a marriage proposal. Instead, he presented her with a diamond promise ring designed by the franchiseโs regular jeweler, Neil Lane.
โI have a ring, and this represents our commitment to love, to give us time to figure out what our future holds together,โ Mel told her.
The ring, an Art Deco-inspired piece, features a center cushion-cut diamond symbolizing happiness, flanked by two triangle-shaped stones that represent Mel and Peg as individuals coming together.
Peg accepted the ring and the final golden rose, telling Mel, โI met my match, and I know that you definitely are the man I can trust.โ Mel confirmed he was ready to fully commit to Peg and their future, even if he was not ready for immediate marriage.
Fan Reaction to the Finale
The unconventional ending sparked immediate reaction. Some viewers criticized Mel for not being ready for marriage on a show designed to end in a commitment, feeling that a promise ring was a letdown. Others defended his honesty about needing more time to build a relationship.
The moment echoed a pre-season controversy where Mel had made comments on a podcast about eliminating any women over the age of 60, for which he later apologized during the season premiere.
What the Finale Means for the Couple
Reports confirm that Mel and Peg are still together after filming ended. However, they are not rushing toward marriage. Mel has indicated he might need up to two years before considering wedding plans, a timeline that Peg has so far accepted.
The couple continues to grow their relationship without a set wedding date, defining their own unique path forward after a season full of surprises.
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