Kelsey Anderson has expressed her pride and admiration for her father, Mark Anderson, following his elimination from The Golden Bachelorette. Mark’s journey came to an emotional end during the episode aired on Wednesday, October 16, when Joan Vassos, the show’s leading lady, decided to send him home. The next day, Kelsey took to Instagram to share her feelings.
“So proud of you for putting yourself out there, dad,” Kelsey, 26, wrote in a heartfelt post. “I love you so much.”
Mark, 57, also reflected on his experience in an Instagram post of his own, sharing his gratitude for the journey. “I am thankful…I am hopeful…I feel blessed,” he wrote. “I started a journey hopeful for a future. I departed with so much more than I started with. I am blessed to have met Joan, a radiant and caring woman who navigated this process with poise and grace. I also met an incredible group of men that have enriched my life. Thank you for the encouragement and support throughout this journey—it has truly changed my life for the better!”
Mark’s Journey on The Golden Bachelorette
Fans of The Bachelor franchise were first introduced to Mark earlier this year when his daughter, Kelsey, appeared as a contestant on Joey Graziadei’s season of The Bachelor. Mark, a widower and father of five, made a memorable impression, and viewers quickly began advocating for him to be part of the franchise’s senior spin-off. ABC listened, and Mark became a contestant on Joan Vassos’ season of The Golden Bachelorette.
Hailing from Louisiana, Mark made it to the top seven on the show, eventually landing a one-on-one date with Joan, 61. Though their connection took time to build, they eventually bonded over their shared experiences of losing their spouses. However, despite their progress, Joan ultimately decided that something was missing in their relationship.
Before the rose ceremony, Joan visited Mark at the Bachelor mansion to deliver the difficult news in person. “You’re such an amazing man, and all of these things made me want us to be really good,” Joan explained. “But I went home last night, and I kept thinking…I just don’t know what’s missing. I feel like you’ve grown so much personally and that your heart is mending, but I didn’t see me in our conversations. I didn’t feel like I imagined an ‘us.’”
The two parted ways on amicable terms, but Mark’s farewell to the other men in the house was particularly emotional. Fellow contestant Guy Gansert teared up as they said their goodbyes.
What’s Next for Joan Vassos?
In addition to Mark’s departure, Joan also sent home Jonathan Rone and Keith Gordon during the rose ceremony, leaving just four men standing: Guy Gansert, Pascal Ibgui, Jordan Heller, and Chock Chapple. These remaining suitors will receive hometown dates in the next episode.
While plans for a second season of The Golden Bachelor have not yet been confirmed by ABC, fans are already pushing for Mark to be the lead should the show return. Another fan favorite from the current season, Charles Ling, is also a frontrunner for the role.
As for Kelsey, she and her fiancé Joey Graziadei—whom she met on The Bachelor—are still happily engaged. Joey is currently competing on season 33 of Dancing With the Stars, and Kelsey has been a constant source of support, cheering him on each week.
