‘The Bachelorette’ star Taylor Frankie Paul confronts Dakota Mortensen’s final apology

Dakota Mortensen had one last chance to share his feelings before Taylor Frankie Paul stepped onto The Bachelorette.

The former couple, who have had an on-and-off relationship since late 2022, spoke via FaceTime after Taylor arrived in Los Angeles for filming. 

In a confessional, Dakota called the conversation “the last chance to be able to even express to her how I feel.”

“I do just want to say sorry for everything that I did,” Dakota told Taylor, referencing past betrayals, including dating a friend of Mormon Wives co-star Miranda Hope and hooking up with Shinia. “It put you in a s---ty spot, and I know that hurt you really bad.”

Taylor acknowledged the apology but said, in her confessional, that “it’s just words, like it always is.” Dakota continued, urging her, “save a rose for me, okay? If you don’t find someone… you’re the only person that can help me see that sometimes.”

Despite Dakota’s plea, Taylor confirmed she needed to move forward. “I do think it’s an opportunity to get away from him… it’s like a dream come true,” she said, noting that love alone isn’t enough to sustain their relationship.

Taylor’s season of The Bachelorette began filming after her casting was announced in September 2025, three years after she playfully auditioned on TikTok. 

She reflected on the competition, saying, “They’re all amazing, which has made it… so much harder,” as she navigates the pool of 22 men vying for her heart.