The story of Mel Owens ex wife has gained renewed attention as the former NFL linebacker and lawyer steps into the spotlight once again with his appearance on The Golden Bachelor. His past marriage to Fabiana Pimentel Owens and the journey they shared offers insight into his personal life, family responsibilities, and the impact of divorce after decades together.
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Who Is Fabiana Pimentel Owens?
Fabiana Pimentel Owens is the former wife of Mel Owens, and the two were married for more than two decades before their separation. Originally from Brazil, Fabiana moved to the United States years ago to pursue both educational and professional opportunities. She built a strong career in branding, marketing, and hospitality, later serving as Director of Experiences for Preferred Hotels & Resorts.
In addition to her corporate career, Fabiana also launched her own business, Final Touch Organizing, which focused on lifestyle and home organization services.
Marriage and Family Life
Mel and Fabiana were married for approximately 25 years and built a family together. The couple raised two sons, Lucas and Andre, who have both pursued athletic ambitions.
- Lucas Owens has been linked to collegiate baseball prospects and has earned recognition for his talent on the field.
- Andre Owens committed to Oklahoma State, also excelling in baseball and carrying on the family’s competitive spirit.
Throughout their marriage, Fabiana balanced her career while also supporting Mel in his legal profession after his retirement from the NFL. Together, they maintained a family home in California and focused much of their life around their children’s future.
The Divorce Process
Their marriage came to an end when Fabiana filed for divorce in early 2020, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce proceedings stretched on for several years and were finalized in late 2024.
The settlement involved a substantial financial agreement, with Fabiana reportedly receiving close to $1 million in property division and financial support. Mel retained ownership of the family home in Orange County, while additional arrangements were made to cover educational expenses for their younger son.
Despite the financial complexities, both parties expressed a desire to prioritize their children and maintain stability for them as they continued their education and athletic careers.
Life After Divorce
After their split, Fabiana chose to step away from the spotlight and continue her work privately. She has kept a low profile, rarely commenting on Mel’s public ventures, including his latest role on reality television. Her focus has remained on her professional endeavors and supporting her children’s pursuits.
Mel, on the other hand, has been more vocal about the difficulties of the divorce. He described the separation as one of the most challenging experiences of his life, admitting that it left him humbled and determined to rebuild. He shared that much of his focus since the divorce has been on his sons and ensuring they thrive in their own journeys.
Co-Parenting and Family Balance
Even after their divorce, Mel and Fabiana continue to share parenting responsibilities for Lucas and Andre. While their relationship may not be close on a personal level, they have maintained a functional balance for the sake of their children.
Mel has spoken openly about wanting his sons to respect him for his resilience and dedication, while Fabiana has largely remained silent, opting to keep her role in their lives private rather than public.
Public Attention and Media Interest
The renewed interest in Mel Owens ex wife stems from his current television presence. As Mel navigates the challenges of The Golden Bachelor, viewers have become curious about his past relationships, especially the woman who shared nearly three decades of his life.
Fabiana’s decision to remain private contrasts with Mel’s public role, and this difference highlights the two paths they have taken since their separation. While Mel embraces media attention, Fabiana protects her privacy, preferring to let her professional accomplishments and her role as a mother define her life today.
What Their Story Reveals
The marriage and eventual divorce of Mel and Fabiana Owens reflects the challenges of balancing public life, career ambitions, and family responsibilities. Their story offers several lessons:
- Long marriages can still face irreconcilable differences, no matter how stable they appear.
- Privacy can be a powerful choice—Fabiana’s decision to stay out of the spotlight contrasts sharply with Mel’s renewed visibility.
- Family priorities remain central—despite the divorce, both parents continue to support their children’s goals.
- Public perception often changes after divorce, especially when one party remains in the media eye and the other chooses silence.
Conclusion
The story of Mel Owens ex wife is one of strength, independence, and quiet resilience. While Mel steps into the limelight once again, Fabiana Pimentel Owens continues to lead a more private, professional life, focused on her own success and her role as a mother. Their shared past, though no longer a partnership, remains central to both of their lives through their children and the history they built together.
As Mel’s journey in the public eye continues, interest in Fabiana’s life will likely follow—but her commitment to privacy shows that not all chapters need to be told on television.
What do you think about Mel Owens’ story and the role his past marriage plays in shaping his future? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation.