The Golden Bachelorette host Jesse Palmer supports leading lady Joan Vassos' decision to send home frontrunner Mark Anderson after he displayed some red flags during their one-on-one date. Bachelor Nation fans first met and fell in love with Mark when he appeared in Joey Graziadei's Bachelor season because he's Joey's fiancée Kelsey's dad. Like Joan, who lost her husband, John, to pancreatic cancer in 2021, Mark had lost his wife, Denise, six and a half years earlier to breast cancer. Mark joined The Golden Bachelorette season 1 for a second chance at love with Joan.
Jesse said that, although he was surprised by Joan's decision to send Mark home at first, he knew that it was the right one.
However, Joan and Mark's relationship never got off the ground, despite an initial attraction. After their one-on-one date, which took place right before hometowns, Joan said goodbye to Mark because she could tell that he wasn't quite ready to date yet after Denise's passing.
In an interview with EW, Jesse said that, although he was surprised by Joan's decision to send Mark home at first, he knew that it was the right one. He said, "If you had told me night one that Mark would be sent home before hometowns, I would’ve said you were nuts. As wonderful as Mark is, I believe Joan simply had stronger connections with the other men."
If you had told me night one that Mark would be sent home before hometowns, I would’ve said you were nuts. As wonderful as Mark is, I believe Joan simply had stronger connections with the other men.
What Mark Anderson’s Elimination Means For The Golden Bachelorette
Mark Will Most Likely Be The Golden Bachelor
Although Mark's Golden Bachelorette was shocking at first, it does seem clear that he and Joan didn't have as strong of a connection as she did with the men she chose for her hometown dates. Joan is especially further along in her relationship with Chock Chapple, as evidenced by their easy conversation and chemistry.
On Mark and Joan's one-on-one date, there were some awkward silences, and, when they did talk, they were still bonding about losing their spouses. Joan realized that Mark wasn't as far along in his journey after his wife's passing as she was after her husband's, so she had to let him go.
However, Mark's journey might not be over yet. From when he appeared in Joey and Kelsey's season, fans were eager to see more of him, and many suspected that he might be the star of The Golden Bachelor season 2. Based on Mark's experience on The Golden Bachelorette, he might be ready to continue his search for love when The Golden Bachelor begins filming.
Our Take On Mark Anderson Leaving The Golden Bachelorette
Joan Made The Right Decision
Jesse's right that Joan made the right decision when it came to Mark. He's a wonderful guy, but the spark simply wasn't there between them. Their relationship was probably doomed from the start with high expectations from Bachelor Nation. It almost felt forced that he appeared on the show at all. Hopefully, Joan will find what she's looking for with one of her remaining four suitors who'll now take her to meet their families, including Chock, Guy Gansert, Pascal Ibgui, and Jordan Heller.
Although it was sad to see Mark leave The Golden Bachelorette, it's what was best for everyone. Joan knew what was right for her, and she followed her heart, even though there was so much pressure for her to give a relationship with Mark a try. It'll be very intriguing to see what Mark's next step will be in his journey to find love.
The Golden Bachelorette airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.
