Former Bachelorette star Gabby Windey revealed her absence from a major ABC reunion special was due to prior commitments. Windey, who co-led season 19, was not among the 18 alumni featured in The Bachelorette: Before the First Rose, a preview event for new lead Taylor Frankie Paul. Speaking at the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty on Sunday, March 15, Windey stated she was "out of town" and acknowledged difficulty coordinating her busy schedule, though she expressed full support for Paul’s upcoming season.
Key Takeaways:
- Gabby Windey cited being "out of town" and a busy schedule for missing the reunion special.
- The event gathered 18 former Bachelorette leads to offer advice to incoming star Taylor Frankie Paul.
- Windey called the casting of Paul "genius" and predicted she will "crush" her season.
- Season 22 of The Bachelorette, starring Paul, premieres Sunday, March 22, on ABC.
ABC Hosts Alumni Special for New Bachelorette Lead
ABC aired The Bachelorette: Before the First Rose immediately following the Oscars broadcast on March 15. The special featured a significant gathering of franchise alumni, including Trista Sutter, Kaitlyn Bristowe, and Hannah Brown, who shared stories and advice with Taylor Frankie Paul. The event served as a preview for Paul’s highly anticipated season, which begins the following week, marking a promotional tradition for the long-running reality dating series.
Windey Expresses Support Amid Absence
While unable to attend the filming, Gabby Windey conveyed her well-wishes for Taylor Frankie Paul directly. "I’m so happy for them just to get together again," Windey told Entertainment Tonight. The Traitors alum and current host of Hulu’s Love Overboard admitted to feeling "always" having "a little FOMO" but emphasized her confidence in Paul’s abilities, highlighting the logistical challenges of aligning numerous celebrity schedules for such events.
Several Notable Names Miss Preview Event
Windey was not the only former lead absent from the reunion. Jillian Harris and Jenn Tran also did not attend in person but shared video messages for Paul. The special successfully united a majority of the franchise’s history, from the first Bachelorette, Trista Sutter, to the most recent Golden Bachelorette, Joan Vassos. Paul, a mother of three and star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, previously discussed the complexities of balancing filming with her single-parent responsibilities.
Expert Analysis: The absence of popular alumni like Gabby Windey from promotional events is often a simple matter of scheduling, explained Reality TV Analyst. Such reunions require coordinating the calendars of numerous in-demand personalities, and conflicts are common. Windey’s public explanation and expressed support for the new lead effectively neutralize any potential narrative of dissent, maintaining focus on the upcoming season premiere.
Sources
https://www.swooon.com/1268633/the-bachelorette-stars-missing-reunion-2026-reason/
