Who Is Mel Owens' Ex-Wife? Inside Golden Bachelor Star's 22-Year Marriage and Messy Divorce to Fabiana Pimentel

As The Golden Bachelor Season 2 premieres tonight on ABC, viewers are tuning in to witness Mel Owens, the 66-year-old retired NFL linebacker turned sports injury attorney, embark on a quest for companionship among 23 women aged 58 to 77. Yet, amid the glamour of limousine arrivals and rose ceremonies, questions about Owens' personal history persist, particularly regarding his ex-wife, Fabiana Pimentel.

This article delves into their relationship's arc, drawing on court records, exclusive interviews, and public statements to provide a comprehensive analysis suitable for those interested in the intersections of celebrity, family law, and reality television dynamics.

Woman Mel Called His 'First Love'

Fabiana Pimentel, née Fabiana Maria Pimentel, entered Owens' life as a vibrant contrast to his structured world. At 47 years old, she is 19 years his junior, a dynamic that fueled both their romance and, ultimately, their dissolution. Born in Brazil and raised in a multicultural household, Pimentel pursued a career in marketing and event planning before focusing on family. Owens has described her as his "first love," a sentiment echoed in early interviews where he credited her with softening his post-NFL edges.

Pimentel's post-divorce life reflects resilience. Residing in Southern California, she has rebuilt professionally, venturing into wellness consulting while maintaining an active social media presence that emphasizes personal growth and travel. Her narrative challenges stereotypes of the "ex-wife" in celebrity discourse, portraying a woman who navigated legal complexities with poise.

The 19-year age disparity, while not uncommon in high-profile unions, became a focal point in media coverage. Pimentel, in her early 20s at the time of their meeting, brought youthful energy to Owens' established life. This gap, however, later intersected with broader discussions on intergenerational relationships in later-life dating, themes resonant with The Golden Bachelor's demographic.

Life After Divorce

Since the 2024 finalization, Pimentel has embraced independence. Reports suggest she has waived ongoing spousal support in favor of a lump-sum settlement, allowing her to invest in entrepreneurial pursuits. Her discretion in public commentary—save for pointed remarks on Owens' show—highlights a commitment to privacy, even as Bachelor Nation speculation swirls.

How They Met

Their paths crossed in Los Angeles' social scene, where Owens, fresh from legal accolades, sought balance. The 2002 wedding, held at a seaside venue, symbolized stability a counterpoint to Owens' nomadic NFL days.

Welcoming Sons Lucas and Andre

Parenthood anchored the couple. Lucas, now in his late teens, pursues collegiate athletics, while Andre excels academically. Owens has praised their co-parenting, noting joint custody arrangements that prioritize the boys' well-being.

Cracks in the Marriage

By the late 2010s, divergences surfaced: Owens' demanding caseload versus Pimentel's desire for deeper partnership. These tensions, common in dual-career households, escalated amid life transitions.

How Mel's Past Marriage Shapes His Golden Bachelor Journey

Owens enters the mansion not as a blank slate but as a man shaped by loss. In podcasts, he confesses missing "companionship over romance," a vulnerability that may resonate with viewers navigating post-divorce reinvention. Yet, the specter of his settlement and Pimentel's quip risks framing him as the antagonist, a trope Bachelor Nation knows well.

Psychologically, experts suggest such histories foster selective vulnerability—Owens may prioritize emotional availability, informed by past failures. This arc could elevate Season 2 beyond escapism, offering commentary on midlife redemption.

What He Misses Most

Interviews reveal Owens seeks partnership, not perfection a maturation echoed in his legal ethos of resolution over conflict.

Fan Backlash

Early controversy fueled petitions, with some decrying ageism. Producers retained Owens for the drama, betting on redemption narratives to drive viewership.

What’s Next for Mel Owens on The Golden Bachelor?

Tonight's two-hour premiere introduces the cast, including Ohio native Lisa Flaherty and others from diverse backgrounds. Filmed in Los Angeles, the season promises tropical dates and heartfelt confessions, airing Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET through December.

Comparisons to Turner's season are inevitable: where Gerry embraced chaos, Owens may project measured charm. Early teasers hint at tears and triumphs, with Pimentel's shadow lingering as subtext.

Premiering September 24, 2025, the opener features arrivals and first impressions. Rumors swirl of frontrunners in their 60s, testing Owens' evolved stance.

Turner's fairy-tale engagement contrasted Owens' grounded realism; both, however, spotlight senior dating's joys and pitfalls.