Months after rumors began swirling about The Golden Bachelorette star Mark Anderson’s romance with actress Barbara Alyn Woods, his daughter Kelsey Anderson has set the record straight. Viewers were introduced to Mark through Kelsey, who became engaged to Joey Graziadei on The Bachelor season 28. Mark made his Bachelor debut during his daughter’s hometown date, where the father of five met Joey and won over the hearts of viewers. Soon after Kelsey and Joey’s engagement, Mark was back in the spotlight when he joined the cast of The Golden Bachelorette, pursuing Joan Vassos alongside 23 other men.
Like Joan and the other contestants, Mark faced heavy and complex emotions surrounding dating after loss. His wife of 18 years, Denise Anderson, passed away from breast cancer in 2018. Although Mark continued to impress viewers with his kind and gentle spirit, Joan eliminated him after realizing they were at different points in their healing journeys. While fans have held out hope that Mark would go on to star in The Golden Bachelor, his social media posts with Barbara suggested he’d found love all on his own.
Kelsey Confirmed Mark And Barbara Are Together
They’ve Been A Couple For Five Months
Kelsey appeared on the February 21, 2025, episode of the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast, where she confirmed Mark and Barbara are officially a couple. “They are going strong, and he’s super happy,” she added. Kelsey shared Barbara had reached out to Mark after The Golden Bachelorette, and the couple established a friendship that blossomed into a romance.
Speculation about Mark and Barbara’s romance began in October 2024, when they appeared in a photo on Barbara’sInstagram dressed in matching Cinderella and Prince Charming costumes. The post seemingly aligned with the start of their relationship, which Kelsey confirmed began last fall. As of her February podcast appearance, Mark and Barbara had been together for five months.
Kelsey was nothing but supportive of her father’s relationship, calling Barbara “the best.”
Although Mark and Barbara have never publicly spoken about their romance, their continued presence on each other’s social media accounts shows how closely they have integrated into one another’s lives. Kelsey was nothing but supportive of her father’s relationship, calling Barbara “the best.” She added that she enjoys spending time with Barbara’s daughters and their families had celebrated Christmas together.
Kelsey Believes The Golden Bachelorette Helped Her Dad Find Love
Mark’s Experience Pushed Him Out Of His Comfort Zone
Mark may not have had the outcome he’d hoped for on The Golden Bachelorette, but his heartbreak is what eventually led him to find true love. Kelsey believes being on the show encouraged Mark to “put himself out there.” His experience was painful at times, but it had the unexpected benefit of bringing Barbara into his life.
Mark was vulnerable about his healing process on The Golden Bachelorette.
His time at the mansion helped him realize that he could be open to love without letting go of the memory of his late wife. Even though Joan thought Mark wasn’t ready for a serious relationship, his romance with Barbara proves Mark’s ready to look toward the future while still honoring his past.
Barbara Shares A Sweet Connection With Mark’s Late Wife
Her Outgoing Personality Complements His
Although Mark is happy in his new relationship with Barbara, his late wife is never far from his family’s hearts. Kelsey said Barbara “does remind me a lot of my mom in the sense of she brings out the fun side of my dad.” She shared, like her mother, Barbara is very “vibrant” compared to Mark’s quiet, reserved nature. Barbara is a perfect complement to Mark’s personality, which speaks volumes about the potential they have for a lasting romance.
Mark faced heartbreak after being rejected by Joan on The Golden Bachelorette, but his pain led him to Barbara. After months of speculation about the couple’s relationship status, it’s a relief to have confirmation that they’re still together and happier than ever. Mark’s experiences and the support he found at the mansion opened his heart to the prospect of finding love again. He may not be returning to the franchise on The Golden Bachelor, but Mark’s already found the fairytale ending he was looking for.
