Although Charles Ling from Malvern was eliminated from The Golden Bachelorette last week, he departed with a sense of fulfillment, calling his experience a “successful journey.” While fans were disappointed to see him go, Ling shared that he had gained a different form of love: friendship, as reported by Franki Rudnesky for PhillyVoice.
Ling, a retired data analyst, joined the show in the hopes of finding connection after losing his wife to a brain aneurysm. Throughout his time on the ABC series, he bonded with both his fellow contestants and Joan Vassos, the show’s lead, over their shared experiences of losing loved ones. Although he didn’t receive a rose, Ling left the show with a strong support network among the contestants and fans alike.
During his stay, Ling participated in various activities, including a kickball tournament, where he played a key role in his team’s victory, and a lighthearted body-roll session with the Chippendale dancers. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “I arrived at the mansion carrying sadness and missing my wife. But after several weeks here, I found myself healing from the hardships I had faced. I feel I achieved more than I could have imagined.”
Joan Vassos expressed her gratitude during his departure, saying, “You changed my life and I love you,” echoing sentiments shared by former contestants on similar shows.
Fans have since flooded social media with messages of support, expressing their disappointment at his departure and hoping to see him return for future appearances, such as After the Final Rose or even Dancing with the Stars.
