Charles Ling was a fan favorite on the first season of The Golden Bachelorette. Viewers found him endearing and authentic in his quest for love. But it was also clear to viewers that he wasn’t over his late wife. His wife passed away suddenly several years earlier due to a brain aneurysm.
He brought viewers to tears when he spoke about missing his wife and feeling guilty about her death. The audience at the Men Tell All chanted for Charles Ling to be the next Golden Bachelor. But the network chose former NFL player Mel Owens in the role. Season 2 of the spinoff premieres on September 24.
After a long absence, Charles Ling returned to social media this week with a huge life update. Keep reading to find out what he’s been up to.
Charles Ling Reveals Why He Wasn’t On Bachelor In Paradise
Bachelor Nation fans were shocked that Charles Ling wasn’t among the Golden stars on Season 10 of Bachelor In Paradise. The season aired this summer and featured Charles King, Leslie Fhima, Keith Gordon, and a few of other seniors.
Charles Ling revealed on the Almost Famous podcast in May why he decided not to go to Paradise. He told the hosts that it was a decision he made with his daughter’s input. The Golden Bachelorette alum didn’t say much more than that. He did, however, say he would be open to appearing on another Bachelor Nation program in the future.
Golden Bachelorette Fan Favorite Gives Huge Life Update
Reality TV fans were rooting for Charles Ling to find love with Joan Vassos. But that didn’t happen. He was sent home in Week 4, and she went on to get engaged to Joan Vassos. She recently addressed the rumors that she secretly married her fiance, Chock Chapple.
Charles Ling has led a quiet life off social media since The Golden Bachelorette. His last Instagram post was in late 2024 when he posted a video from New York’s iconic Grand Central Terminal with Bachelor Nation star Jeremy Simon.
But it seems fans have been bugging Charles Ling for an update about what his life is like now. He returned to Instagram with a huge life update.
“Time flies. Today is the anniversary of our TV show. Many of you have been wondering what I have been doing these days so I’d like to update you with these photos to give you a glimpse of my activities this past year,” he wrote in the post’s caption. He included a few photos of his travels.
He added, “While my routine has been similar to the past, I am very good at pickleball now.”
The Golden Bachelorette favorite shared his gratitude to his many fans. He wrote, “I am honored to be loved by thousands of you, and many of you have sent warm-hearted messages to me. I met so many fans at the airport, train stations, and different stores and restaurants.”
He ended the short update by sending his best wishes to everyone. Charles Ling didn’t mention his relationship status, so he’s likely still single and in mourning over his late wife.
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger
