The Golden Bachelor's Marina Perera was an early fan favorite, but she mysteriously vanished without an explanation in episode 2. Here's why.

Summary

• Contestant Marina Perera's absence from The Golden Bachelor episode 2 was due to a family situation back home, according to an Instagram post from the show's official account.
• Marina, a single mom, had to prioritize her family's needs and made the difficult decision to leave the show.
• Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner expressed understanding and respect for Marina's decision, wishing her well and acknowledging that family commitment comes first.

The Golden Bachelor contestant Marina Perera's mysterious disappearance wasn't addressed on the show, but there is now an explanation for why she wasn't in episode 2. Marina, a 60-year-old educator from Los Angeles, California, was an early fan favorite. On premiere night, during her one-on-one time with Gerry Turner, she told him that her daughter thinks he's "dope." Gerry replied by saying his granddaughter told him he had "rizz." They had a good laugh about it. Gerry later gave Marina a rose at the rose ceremony.

However, during The Golden Bachelor episode 2, Marina was nowhere to be found, and her exit wasn't even mentioned. While Gerry went on his first one-on-one date with Theresa Nist, and had a romance novel cover shoot group date with some of the other women, Marina's absence was not addressed. When she didn't appear at the rose ceremony, it seemed that she was gone for good. Here's why Marina had to leave the show.

The Golden Bachelor's Marina Perera Had To Deal With A Family Situation

In an Instagram post, The Golden Bachelor shared a scene from the show that didn't air on television, in which Marina's exit from the show was addressed. In the clip, host Jesse Palmer informed Gerry that Marina had "a situation with her family back home," and was no longer there. He told Gerry that Marina wanted the opportunity to speak to him, so he set them up with a FaceTime call.

Marina told Gerry, "I'm a single mom, and I had to choose my family, and support my family's needs at this time. And I am sorry that I had to leave. But, at the same time, I had to get my priorities straight, so here I am, and there you are." The caption of the Instagram post said, "The bittersweet part of maturing gracefully: honoring your priorities. Nothing but respect for Marina and her difficult decision."

How Gerry Turner Reacted To Marina's Exit

Gerry has been understanding of the women's emotions and needs throughout The Golden Bachelor, and this situation was no different. He told Marina, "I fully understand. Commitment to family overrides just about everything else, and I really respect you for doing what you've done. I agree with you 100% that you needed to put your family needs before everything else." Marina replied, "I really, truly appreciate the fact that you recognize that. I think I needed to hear that." Gerry answered, "You have my prayers and my support."

Marina then wished Gerry well, telling him that she thinks there are "some beautiful women with beautiful souls, and I want to wish you nothing but the best from my heart." Gerry thanked her and told her that it was a "wonderful sentiment." He wished her "all the happiness in the world." Marina thanked him and told him that she will take it. Gerry then told Jesse that he really respected the decision Marina made to go back to her family. He said that he was disappointed, and he was sure Marina was too, but "when you do the right thing, and you make the right decision, good things still come to you."

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Although it's disappointing that Marina had to leave The Golden Bachelor, it's admirable that she put her family first. She seems like exactly the type of woman that Gerry is looking for. It's sad and unfortunate that, due to time constraints because the show is only an hour long, her exit wasn't addressed on screen. Hopefully, whatever Marina is dealing with will have a positive resolution. She's wished all the best, and will be missed on The Golden Bachelor.

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

Source: The Golden Bachelor/Instagram