The Golden Bachelor - Who Is Roberta Zaktzer & How She Was Honored On The Show

The highly anticipated franchise spin-off The Golden Bachelor premiered on September 28, and a woman named Roberta Zaktzer was honored in the first episode. Gerry Turner lost his wife of over 40 years in 2017 and is the franchise's first Golden Bachelor. Featuring age-appropriate women from across the country, the 72-year-old Bachelor has many potential flames to choose from. One of the women, Ellen Goltzer, has her friend to thank for her bravery in applying for the show.

The Golden Bachelor is already different from any of the other Bachelor franchises. Gerry shared the tragic story of his deceased wife, Toni, his high school sweetheart, who passed away from a bacterial infection shortly after her retirement. Despite the heaviness of the beginning, the limo entrances were hilarious and light-hearted. Faith Martin, a 60-year-old high school teacher, made the biggest impression on Gerry and received the first impression rose. However, there was another moment surrounding Ellen and her friend Roberta that captured attention.

Roberta Is Friends With Contestant Ellen Goltzer

Roberta Encouraged Ellen To Join The Show

Ellen shouted out her friend Roberta on the show, with whom she shared a friendship of 60 years and watched many seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. According to an article on MSN, that has since been deleted, Roberta worked as an Executive General Adjustor at AIG for ten years and lived in New York. Her daughter, Stephanie Esposita, told Ellen her mom was "cheering her on" as she appeared on The Golden Bachelor's first episode.

Roberta Passed Away Before The Golden Bachelor Aired

Ellen Made A Tribute to Roberta

Tragically, Roberta passed away from cancer on September 10, 2023. Ellen, her best friend of decades, made a tribute to her before appearing on The Golden Bachelor. Ellen had this to say about her incredible, lifelong friendship with Roberta:

" Hi. I want to tell you about my best friend Roberta for 60 years. Good times and bad, happy and sad, it’s a friendship that will last a lifetime. We watched the bachelor together from the very beginning. She convinced me to apply for the Golden Bachelor and here I am because of her. She’s going through some difficult times now and I want her to know that true friendship is precious. Thank you Roberta. I’m here because you believed in me and and I believe in you too. Love you bestie. "

Ellen is seemingly glad that her friend convinced her to take on the opportunity. She attests much of what she has learned on the show to both Roberta and her experience with Golden Bachelor Gerry. Her best friend taught her to enjoy every second and not take small opportunities for granted. Gerry taught her that love can be gentle and kind. Ellen’s time on the show has transformed her perspective on love and life.

Ellen Believes That Roberta Would Be Proud Of Her

Roberta's Wish Came True

Ellen and Roberta were incredibly close and their friendship survived the test of time. While Roberta hs passed, her legacy will live on through the continuous encouragement and support she offered those around her. Though Roberta couldn't see her best friend on screen, Ellen is sure her other half would be elated to see Ellen come out of her shell and pursue love again.

In an interview with Ellen, just a day after her elimination from The Golden Bachelor, Ellen spoke candidly with ET, expressing her contentment with her stint on the show and gratitude for her late friend. She reiterated that she was hesitant to apply. Ellen admitted that she often fears expressing her emotions and allowing vulnerability, which made her friend’s suggestion all the more intimidating.

Ellen and Roberta had just received the news of Roberta’s illness when Roberta had noticed that the show, that the pair often binged together, was casting new contestants. Roberta was quick to persuade Ellen to apply. Ellen found the prospect of televised dating, rejection, acceptance, and vulnerability terrifying. Still, Roberta played her cards well, referencing the distressing news regarding her health and making Ellen’s application her one wish. Ellen, defeated, joked, “I hate you” and accepted her fate.

The tribute to Roberta on The Golden Bachelor was touching, especially considering how recently she passed and Gerry's brush with tragedy just a few years ago. While Ellen wasn't one of the front-runners from the first episode, she did receive a rose, and it will be heartwarming to see her continue her journey on the show. More life experience usually leads to more tragedy endured, and getting to know the women's backstories will add to the enjoyment of the newest Bachelor spin-off. Paying tribute to a great friend and fan was a beautiful way to kick off The Golden Bachelor.