“Golden Bachelor” host Jesse Palmer reacts to Gerry's devastating breakup with Leslie

"That was as raw as I’ve seen anyone since I’ve been hosting the show," he says.

Each week during The Golden Bachelor, host Jesse Palmer will answer a few questions about the widower's "journey" to find love. Today, Jesse shares his thoughts via email about Gerry's emotional breakup with Leslie and the upcoming Golden Wedding special on ABC.

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Gerry was more bereft than we've ever seen him after leaving Leslie's hotel room. How did you approach that conversation knowing that he was so upset?

JESSE PALMER: That was as raw as I’ve seen anyone since I’ve been hosting the show. In that moment, I just wanted to give Gerry space to express himself. He needed a hug. He needed to vent, and he needed someone to listen to him.

Leslie was understandably blindsided in Costa Rica, hearing "I love you" from Gerry one day and then having him break up with her the next. What did you think of Gerry's explanation on After The Final Rose, when he said he tried to be so present with each woman, he sometimes got "caught up in moments"?

I think Gerry was always very present in each of those moments, and at times could get excited with respect to explaining his feelings to the women. I know that conversation with Leslie in Costa Rica was one he wishes he could’ve handled differently.

Describe everything you were thinking/feeling in the moment Theresa said she "knocked [Gerry's] boots off" in the Fantasy Suite? 

I had a strong suspicion that the term “knocking boots” would be brought up at some point during AFR, but I wasn’t expecting it from Theresa! I felt immediately transported back to Costa Rica when I had that memorable (and unfortunately unforgettable) conversation with Gerry!

Now that we know Gerry and Theresa will be married on ABC on Jan. 4, can we hope to see you as the officiant?

I hope I get to at least be an usher! I’m so excited for Gerry and Theresa, I can’t wait for Jan 4!!!

Finally, where does one procure a golden rose?

Gerry planted a magical golden rose garden behind the mansion. A golden unicorn guards the garden, and anyone caught trespassing has to eat 8 of Susan’s meatballs...

Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.

Related content:

• Theresa says Gerry's Golden Bachelor proposal pause was 'a mistake'

• The Golden Bachelor season finale recap: Happily ever after (again)

• Golden Bachelor sweethearts Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist to have TV wedding

• All the Bachelor Nation couples who are still together

Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly.