“The Bachelorette” is back with its 21st season, featuring Jenn Tran in her quest to find true love! As standard, she’ll spend her days with a group of men competing for her heart, with one contestant sent home each week. The installment has already confirmed its start date, and has everyone at the edge of their seats.
Viewers are not only focused on Jenn and the men who accompany her, but also on who will host the show. Since Chris Harrison‘s departure, the production has been careful in selecting a new host for the 2024 season.
Harrison left following criticism for defending a contestant accused of racism, officially announcing his exit on February 13, 2021. Then, Jesse Palmer assumed hosting duties for “The Bachelor” starting in 2022. That same year, he was confirmed as the permanent host for “The Bachelorette,” succeeding interim hosts Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe, who had temporarily filled the role left by Harrison in the franchise’s spin-off series. In other words, he is now the definitive head of “The Bachelor” universe. But who is he?
Jesse Palmer’s age, nationality and football career
Jesse Palmer, the 45-year-old Canadian television personality standing at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m), is known for his diverse career. Not only has he been the host of “The Bachelor” and a sports commentator, but he is also recognized for his past as a professional football player.
Palmer was born in Toronto, Ontario, and raised in Nepean, the suburb of Ottawa. His father, Bill Palmer, played seven years for the Ottawa Rough Riders, influencing Jesse to follow a similar path. He played college football for the Florida Gators under coach Steve Spurrier and then professionally for the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers in the NFL, where he spent five years.
In 2006, Palmer transitioned to the Canadian Football League, playing half a season with the Montreal Alouettes before deciding to pursue a broadcasting career.
Was Jesse Palmer on ‘The Bachelor’?
Yes! For those who didn’t know, Jesse Palmer made history as not only the first professional athlete to appear on the show back in 2004 but also the first non-American Bachelor. While his season didn’t generate as much buzz over the years and is rarely found on fans’ or critics’ top 10 lists, he certainly captured the public’s affection.
Actor Jesse Palmer the Bachelor and teammates at Planet Hollywood April 14, 2004 in New York City. (Source: Scott Gries/Getty Images)
Early in his season, during the first rose ceremony, he famously called out the name Katie in error instead of Karen, leading him to give roses to both contestants to rectify his humorous mistake.
In the end, he chose Jessica Bowlin as his true love, but their relationship lasted only a month after the installment ended. Interestingly, his intended lifelong companion wasn’t found through the small screen.
Jesse Palmer’s wife
Jesse Palmer has been married to Brazilian photographer and model Emely Fardo since 2020. They met in the most unexpected place: a boxing class! Their love led them to have a second wedding, as their first was held privately due to pandemic restrictions. This time, they exchanged vows at the famous Château De La Gaude in France.
Their story continues to unfold. In January 2024, they welcomed their daughter, Ella. So, despite hosting a show where people seek love among various options, Jesse Palmer’s personal life is far from that narrative. As he expressed to the Daily Mail in 2019, “I’ve been so enamored, so in love with this woman and it has only grown. I’m head over heels for her.”
Jesse Palmer’s net worth
Like many television figures, whenever Jesse Palmer returns for a new season of “The Bachelor” or “The Bachelorette,” viewers often wonder about his assets. That’s not surprising, considering the exclusivity and opulence showcased in the series.
Jesse Palmer attends the 7th Annual Project A.L.S. Benefit Gala on October 4, 2004 at Cipriani, in New York City. (Source: Andrew Kent/Getty Images)
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Palmer’s fortune amounts to $4 million as of 2024. This wealth comes not only from his work on the famous dating show but also from other endeavors.
Jesse Palmer’s broadcasting career
Palmer has had a very successful broadcasting career that began in 2005, working for renowned media outlets such as Fox Sports Net, CSTV, and the NFL Network.
After announcing his retirement from the Canadian Football League, he joined ESPN in 2007, where he served as a studio analyst for College Football Live and ABC telecasts.
During his time there, he covered major events like the 2012 Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas; the 2010 Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona; the 2009 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California; and the 2023 Orange Bowl in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Jesse Palmer’s hosting career
Of course, “The Bachelor” wasn’t Jesse Palmer’s first time leading a show. He began hosting DailyMailTV in 2017. In 2023, he started hosting the “Spring Baking Championship” and has hosted several seasons of the “Holiday Baking Championship” on the Food Network, as well as “Food Truck Face Off,” “Bakeaway Camp,” and “Holiday Baking: Gingerbread Showdown”.
Jesse Palmer attends ABC’s “Bachelor In Paradise” And “The Ultimate Surfer” Premiere at Fairmont Miramar – Hotel & Bungalows on August 12, 2021 in Santa Monica, California. (Source: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
Before joining the dating series, Palmer also hosted “The Proposal” and “The Ultimate Surfer,” both on ABC—the same network that would later place him at the helm of their most renowned franchise. The rest is history!
