The Golden Bachelor’s Debbie Siebers on Mel Owens: ‘I Felt So Cheated’

Debbie Siebers made an impression on The Golden Bachelor right from the start. The 65-year-old exercise instructor and fitness personality didn’t rely on gimmicks to get Mel Owen’s attention. Instead, it was a simple admission that she had never been married that made her the one to watch. (Warning: Spoilers ahead.)

It’s safe to say that Bachelor Nation wanted Siebers to get her happy ending, but the bigger win was that she was confident enough to be open about something that is often stigmatized as women get older. She’s beautiful, talented, smart, nurturing, and fun. Period. End of story. Whether or not she’s a mother or a wife is beside the point. And yet, even though not having children is becoming more widely accepted and understood in our society, there’s something about a woman who has never been married that still confuses and scares people. “Obviously there’s something wrong with her.” “Maybe she’s crazy.” “She’s probably too picky.”

Siebers has heard them all and then some. And if it were up to her, she would have been married by now. But life often has other plans. During Siebers’s hometown date with Mel Owens in Denver, she revealed that the man she was deeply in love with in her 40s and early 50s had been struggling emotionally; a few weeks after she finally had the courage to give herself space from the situation, he died by suicide. And so, over the course of the past decade-plus, she was learning to be whole again. (Plus, as anyone who’s ever been single knows, dating is kinda awful.)

Siebers eventually moved to Denver to start her life over and be close to her sister, but finding that lasting romantic love has been evasive. “I did all the work to heal, and I am proud of myself I came out the other end,” she says. “I also started my own company through all of that and put all my attention into developing these workouts to help others. It gave me some fulfillment, but I was still lonely.”

Enter The Golden Bachelor, and an attempt to find love with Owens. Siebers was a front-runner from the start and had chemistry with the former NFL player, but for reasons that are still a bit unclear, he sent her home after visiting her hometown and meeting her family. Now, with two women left (Peg from Las Vegas and Cindy from Austin), Siebers is reflecting on what happened, if she’d be up for being the Golden Bachelorette, and what she wants both married and unmarried people to know.

Glamour: I have to say, I was shocked that Mel sent you home. I didn’t see it coming.

Bachelor Nation Alum Shares Sad Update About a Loved One

Fans surely remember Kaitlyn Bristowe from Season 19 of “The Bachelor” and Season 11 of “The Bachelorette” (not to mention “Dancing with the Stars”). Eventually getting engaged to Jason Tartick, the duo got a pair of golden retrievers, Ramen and Pinot. While Kaitlyn and Jason eventually split, she regularly posts about her pups and clearly adores the dogs. That’s why her latest update is so sad.

“Got some really sad news at the vet cardiologist today,” Kaitlyn wrote on Instagram. “We thought Pinot maybe just had a big heart because he’s so sweet. But it turns out my baby has heart disease.”

“I’m a mess,” she admitted. “He’s the sweetest dog I’ve ever met and he is also my daily weighted blanket. [O]f course l, did NOT handle the news well and basically had a panic attack in the office. (Tried to stay calm and neutral when Pinot was in room because energy transfers). I feel like they always tell you worst case scenarios. And say things like ‘this happens to Golden’s’. 💔

Adorable Cat Repeatedly Goes to Dog for Cuddles

Kaitlyn Will Do Everything She Can for Pinot

“I am now waiting to see if it’s genetic or something we can treat,” she continued in the caption of her Instagram post. “Either way they did not give great news and I’m looking for beautiful stories of how your babies have pulled through when diagnosed with something heart related. (No sad ones please my heart is too fragile).”

Beyond that, she noted, “I will be doing everything from medicine, to acupuncture, to supplements, and I’m not sure how to love more but, extra love.”

She also mentioned her step-father’s cancer diagnosis

, writing, “I have worked so hard on my coping skills when it comes to bad things happening, but between step dad and dog, my heart feels sad. Don’t you worry, I’m gonna do whatever it takes for this potato head.”

She finished her message by adding, “Love you guys. Goodnight.”

Friends, Fans & Followers Sent Their Support

In response to Kaitlyn’s post, plenty of people shared stories of their own dogs battling health issues. On top of that, there were plenty messages of support.

Fellow Bachelor Nation alum Rachel Lindsay wrote, “Sending positive energy 😘”

Influencer Sarah Nicole Landry (“The Bird’s Papaya”) also left a comment, saying, “Oh Kait, Pinot ❤️ we love you both so so much. We’re all here to help however we can 🫂”

“What a sweet spot on the internet where you asked for positive stories and everyone delivered 💛 proud of internet strangers today. Praying for you and Pinot 💛💛,” wrote another follower.

Someone else added, “Love you sweet Pinot 💛”

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