When The Golden Bachelor aired its whirlwind first season in late 2023, the emotional stakes were high — and few captured the audience’s hearts more deeply than the final three women: Faith Martin, Leslie Fhima, and Theresa Nist.
Now, nearly two years later, each woman’s life has taken a unique path. While the show’s finale was marked by tears, broken hearts, and an unexpected proposal, the journey didn’t end with the final rose. In fact, for these women, it was just the beginning of new chapters that continue to unfold — in love, in the spotlight, and on their own terms.
Faith Martin: From Broken Heart to Beloved Voice
Faith Martin, the radiant 61-year-old radio host and motorcycle-riding single mom from Washington State, made an immediate impression. With her soulful singing voice and introspective vulnerability, Faith quickly emerged as a frontrunner.
But it was her deeply emotional hometown date — and the confession that she hadn’t introduced anyone to her sons in years — that cemented her as the heart of the season.
When Gerry Turner told her she wouldn’t be moving forward to the final two, the nation cried with her. Yet Faith’s quiet strength in that moment made her a fan favorite.
Life After the Rose
Since leaving the show, Faith has returned to the airwaves with a renewed sense of purpose. Her radio segments now feature occasional reflections on love, self-discovery, and what it means to heal publicly.
She’s also become a popular motivational speaker, appearing at women’s wellness retreats and age-positive media panels. Though she has not entered a public relationship, she has hinted at “finding joy in new connections” and recently said in an interview, “My heart is open. It always was.”
Her followers on Instagram — over 180K strong — often comment that Faith is their Golden Bachelorette, and there’s widespread speculation that she could be the lead for an upcoming spin-off.
Leslie Fhima: The Comeback Queen
At 64, fitness instructor and former figure skater Leslie Fhima brought fire and energy to The Golden Bachelor — and a memorable chemistry with Gerry Turner.
Their shared passion for wellness and long walks gave audiences hope. But in a twist that shocked fans, Gerry broke up with Leslie just before the final rose, in what many called one of the most painful breakups in franchise history. Leslie’s raw honesty — “You made me feel like I was your girl” — echoed across social media, spawning countless memes, tributes, and even T-shirts.
Life After the Show
Rather than retreat from the spotlight, Leslie leaned in.
She launched an age-inclusive fitness brand, “Power by Leslie,” offering virtual classes designed specifically for people over 50. Her upbeat attitude and commitment to body positivity have turned her into a mini-wellness influencer, with over 220K followers and counting.
Leslie also recently published a memoir titled Still Spinning: Finding Balance After Heartbreak, which includes chapters on her Golden Bachelor experience, widowhood, and her unexpected rise as a public figure.
As for love? In late 2024, Leslie was spotted with a new companion at a Minnesota charity gala — a fellow widower and former college friend — though she’s kept the relationship mostly private. In a podcast appearance this spring, she said with a smile, “I’m not looking for a fairytale. I’m just looking for someone who’s real.”
Theresa Nist: The Final Rose… Then the Divorce
Theresa Nist, 70, the financial services professional from New Jersey, was the woman who received Gerry Turner’s final rose — and eventually, his televised proposal.
Their wedding in January 2024, aired live on ABC, drew over 5 million viewers. It was meant to be the fairy-tale ending the series promised: two widowed seniors finding love again against all odds.
But by April 2024, the couple had announced their divorce, citing geographical and lifestyle differences. The backlash was swift and public, with critics accusing the franchise of rushing the romance and setting up unrealistic expectations for older couples.
Life After Gerry
Despite the heartbreak, Theresa has handled the aftermath with grace. In a candid Good Morning America interview following the split, she said, “Love doesn’t always last forever — but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t real.”
She returned to New Jersey and resumed part-time consulting work. She’s also been vocal about reframing the narrative around aging and dating: “I fell in love at 70. I still believe in love. That’s the story I want people to remember.”
She now uses her platform — with a growing Instagram following — to advocate for women over 60 reentering the dating world. Her recent collaboration with a senior dating app, SilverSpark, marks a move into entrepreneurship that aligns with her mission: “to help women believe it’s never too late.”
Sisterhood Beyond the Show
Though they vied for the same man, Faith, Leslie, and Theresa have remained connected.
The trio has been spotted attending events together, supporting each other online, and even vacationing once in Napa Valley in mid-2024. Their friendship — unexpected, authentic, and empowering — may be The Golden Bachelor’s most lasting love story.
Fans have called for a reunion special focused on the final three women, and there are persistent rumors that one of them — most likely Faith or Leslie — could lead The Golden Bachelorette in 2025.
Whether that happens or not, these women have already made a permanent mark on television history — not just because they chased love in their 60s and 70s, but because they showed the world what aging with purpose, joy, and resilience really looks like.
