The Golden Bachelor season 2 finale aired on Nov. 13, 2025, and Mel Owens made a surprising move. The 66-year-old retired NFL linebacker offered Peg Munson a promise ring instead of a traditional proposal. Fans are now questioning whether this counts as a real engagement commitment.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Mel Owens gave Peg Munson a Neil Lane ring with 30+ diamonds and 3.5 carats.
- He specifically stated it represents commitment, not a marriage proposal.
- Runner-up Cindy Cullers self-eliminated before the finale due to concerns.
- Fans criticized Mel for not being ready for marriage on a dating show.
- The couple has not set a wedding date and remains engaged.
What Happened at the Golden Bachelor Finale?
In the season 2 finale, Mel Owens stood at the final rose ceremony with two women remaining. Peg Munson, 62, and Cindy Cullers, 60, both awaited his choice. Cindy ultimately self-eliminated before the rose ceremony. She felt Mel wasn’t ready for immediate marriage and commitment.
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When Mel presented the ring to Peg, he made his position crystal clear. “I have a ring, and this represents our commitment to love,” he announced. The message sparked instant backlash across social media and entertainment outlets. Viewers questioned why a dating show finale would end without a real proposal. Many felt disappointed that Mel hadn’t committed fully to the process.
“I have a ring, and this represents our commitment to love, to give us time to figure out where we want to go.”
Neil Lane, the famous celebrity jeweler, designed the beautiful sparkler. The ring features a center cushion-cut diamond symbolizing happiness. Two triangle-shaped stones flank the center stone, each representing Mel and Peg individually. Lane explained the Art Deco-inspired design combines their separate lives into one unified commitment.
Why Fans Are Angry About the Promise Ring
Fans expected a real proposal at the finale. The Golden Bachelor is specifically designed for older singles seeking serious love. Many viewers felt Mel wasted Peg’s time by not committing to marriage. The promise ring move felt like a cop-out instead of genuine devotion.
Social media erupted with criticism about the situation. “Yay, we just watched 9 hours of Mel so he could find love,” one fan joked. Another stated, “He’s basically wasting the women’s time after refusing to propose.” Critics pointed out that Cindy was right to leave. She recognized Mel wasn’t ready for marriage, even though he signed up for a show about finding it.
The real controversy centers on Mel’s hesitation. Days before the finale, he told producers he might not propose at all. Some sources suggested he wasn’t emotionally ready for marriage despite being the lead. Peg deserved clarity about his intentions, critics argued. Offering a promise ring instead felt like stringing her along on national television.
The Ring Details and Designer’s Vision
Neil Lane spent months creating this custom ring. He worked on symbolic embellishments and inscriptions during his design process. The final result showcases his signature Art Deco-inspired style with distinct design elements.
| Ring Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Carats | 3.5 carats (substantial size) |
| Number of Diamonds | 30+ diamonds total |
| Center Stone | Cushion-cut diamond (happiness & unity) |
| Flanking Stones | Triangle-shaped diamonds (Mel & Peg individually) |
| Metal | 18K gold band |
| Design Style | Art Deco-inspired (1920s-1930s aesthetic) |
| Designer | Neil Lane Couture (20 years with Bachelor Nation) |
Lane explained his creative process and reasoning. Working with older couples differs from younger contestants on other shows. He respects their previous lives and marriages. “I try to combine that magic with a lot of respect for the lives that they had before,” he shared. The triangle diamonds represent honoring both Mel and Peg’s individual journeys before meeting.
What Happens Next for Mel and Peg?
Sources confirm Mel and Peg remain together after filming ended. They’re continuing to grow their relationship. However, no wedding date has been announced yet. Mel told Peg he might need two years before considering marriage.
- The couple is not rushing toward marriage immediately.
- Peg appears accepting of Mel’s timeline for now.
- Their engagement exists, but formalized wedding plans remain unclear.
- Producers reportedly considered the engagement a victory after uncertainties.
- Future “After the Final Rose” specials may address their relationship status.
The situation raises questions about authenticity on reality dating shows. When leads aren’t fully committed to finding marriage, are the contestants being misled? Cindy proved wisest by walking away early. Peg received a beautiful ring but continues waiting for actual commitment.
Is This Really an Engagement or Just a Stalling Tactic?
Debate continues about whether Mel’s promise ring counts as a legitimate engagement. Industry standards typically define engagement as a commitment to marriage. Promise rings traditionally symbolize commitment to dating exclusively.
The distinction matters to Peg and other viewers invested in the show. Mel had one job: find love and commit to marriage. Instead, he offered a middle ground that satisfied neither expectation. ABC and producers must now navigate this awkward reality. Did the finale succeed or disappoint? Ratings and fan reaction will tell the real story.
Bachelor Nation remains divided on whether Mel handled his emotions responsibly. Some defend his honesty about needing time. Others argue he shouldn’t have been the lead if he wasn’t prepared. Peg deserved a man fully ready to propose, not someone hedging his bets.
Sources
- People Magazine – Exclusive interview with designer Neil Lane and ring details
- Decider – Golden Bachelor Season 2 Finale Recap and analysis
- USA Today – Coverage of the finale episode and casting controversies
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.