The Golden Bachelor's Ellen Goltzer Embraces the Quest for Love After Devastating Elimination

Ellen Goltzer and Gerry Turner Disney/John Fleenor

After her romantic relationship with Gerry Turner, the Golden Bachelor, ended, Ellen Goltzer isn't allowing her heartbreak to define her.

At the age of 71, Ellen took a moment to reflect on her future after her elimination was aired on the episode that aired on October 26th. She expressed her gratitude to the team at @goldenbachabc on Instagram, stating that the experience has taught her valuable lessons. She now feels incredibly optimistic about discovering love once more, thanks to this journey. "I have a newfound belief in love. I am confident that I can fall in love again," she enthused. Taking a page out of her best friend Roberta's book, she added, "Never say never!" Ellen is now fully prepared to discover her lifelong partner, having finally reached a place of readiness after a long period of being unprepared.

She expressed that bidding farewell to the 72-year-old Gerry was a difficult task for her. "It wasn't easy for me because I was starting to develop strong emotions for him, something I hadn't experienced with a man in a long time," she conveyed.

During the rose ceremony on Thursday, Gerry chose to send Ellen home, alongside Sandra Mason and Susan Noles. Prior to this, Ellen openly admitted her growing feelings for Gerry and envisaged a future with him beyond the filming period.

Ellen Goltzer ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

"I feel a sense of relief when I'm with you. It's like we are a unified team," Ellen expressed to Gerry during their group date. "I can't wait for you to meet my children and my dear friend Roberta - I know they would admire you as much as I do." (Roberta sadly passed away sometime after The Golden Bachelor filming started.)

Gerry was deeply moved by Ellen's words, but ultimately made the tough decision to send her home, leaving Leslie Fhima, Theresa Nist, and Faith Martin as his final three women. After the rose ceremony, Gerry offered to escort Ellen out of the mansion and acknowledged that eliminating her had been the most challenging choice he had faced thus far on his journey. "I hope you can maintain a positive outlook," he added. "Because that's who you are."

Gerry Turner and Ellen Goltzer Disney/John Fleenor

Ellen expressed her gratitude for the conversation, but later revealed her surprise at Gerry's decision. "I genuinely believed he was the one," she confided to the cameras.

Nevertheless, despite the pain, Ellen credited her participation in The Golden Bachelor for empowering her to continue her search for love elsewhere. "This has truly been one of the most remarkable experiences I've ever had," she shared. "I am now more hopeful about love and the potential to find it at this point in my life."

The Golden Bachelor airs on ABC Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET.