The Golden Bachelor season 1 stars Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist recently announced their divorce, but they should give the marriage another shot. Gerry, the 72-year-old widower and retired restaurateur, hit it off with multiple single women during the season but eliminated all but 65-year-old Leslie Fhima and 70-year-old financier Theresa. Though Gerry told both of the final two women that he loved them, he ultimately gave his final rose to fellow widower Theresa and sent a heartbroken Leslie home in tears.
Gerry and Theresa’s Golden Bachelor wedding took place just a few weeks later, despite the revelation that Gerry had been in a serious relationship and had lied about it to producers. The dream wedding aired on January 4. The highly anticipated television event was attended by Bachelor Nation stars, including many of the women Gerry had rejected. The couple represented the hope of finding love later in life, so there were a lot of people rooting for them. Sadly, Gerry and Theresa announced their split in April, but perhaps the newlyweds gave up too soon.
Gerry and Theresa’s whirlwind romance played out for the world to see during The Golden Bachelor season 1. In July 2023, ABC announced Gerry would be the lead of The Bachelor spin-off. The names of the 22 women chosen to vie for Gerry’s heart were made public soon after, in August 2023. Years before appearing as The Golden Bachelor, Gerry had been married to his high school sweetheart, Toni, for 43 years until she passed away in 2017 after a brief illness.
Though Gerry claimed he hadn’t dated since his late wife’s death, that turned out to be untrue.
Theresa was also a widower, as her husband passed away several years ago, and she realized that she was ready for love again. Theresa was looking for a partner who could be her best friend during the next chapter of her life, and Gerry wanted a partner who was high-energy and lived an active lifestyle. They hit it off right away, and Theresa was one of the front-runners throughout the season despite running into drama with some of the other women competing for Gerry’s heart.
Why Did Gerry & Theresa Break Up?
Location, Location, Location
The Golden Bachelor’s Gerry Turner & Theresa Nist looking upset, with broken hearts and lightning behind themCustom Image by César García
Though Gerry and Theresa fell in love on The Golden Bachelor, they couldn’t figure out how to blend their lives. Gerry lived in his lakeside Indiana dream home that he built with his late wife, Toni, while Theresa was in New Jersey, where she had lived with her late husband. Both lived near their children and grandchildren, and Theresa had the added complication of her work to consider.
Though Gerry and Theresa tried to see each other regularly, it turned into a long-distance relationship, which became untenable.
This problem was foreseeable when talking about people in their 60s and 70s. People that age have lived full lives and have put down roots. This will likely be a challenge The Golden Bachelorette Joan Vassos will have to face during her upcoming season. It’s hard to imagine anyone uprooting their entire world to be with someone they dated for a few weeks on a reality show. That doesn’t mean the relationship isn’t worth fighting for.
Gerry and Theresa hit it off right away. From the moment Theresa stepped out of the limo on night one and pretended to be naked under her coat, Gerry was undeniably charmed by her. She, of course, wasn’t naked under her coat, but Gerry was delighted by her fun-loving zest for life. It’s a quality that they both share. There was never a shortage of fun and laughter when Gerry and Theresa were together. Theresa’s welcoming warmth was a perfect compliment to Gerry’s gregarious energy.
With everything they had going for them, it’s a shame that Gerry and Theresa couldn’t make it work.
Gerry & Theresa Care For Each Other’s Families
Won’t They Think Of The Children?
The Golden Bachelor’s Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist, with her daughter Jen cryingCustom Image by César García
Gerry and Theresa’s decision to divorce affects other people, too. Gerry and Theresa spent time with each other’s families and cared deeply for each other’s children and grandchildren. As recently as March, Gerry posted Instagram family photos of the couple hanging out at Gerry’s granddaughter’s volleyball game. Gerry’s caption read, “What better way to spend a Saturday than watching your granddaughter play volleyball with Theresa and all the family.”
Only Gerry and Theresa know what happened between them, but it seems four months isn’t enough time to know whether a marriage works. If they’re being honest about their biggest issue, which is where they want to live, it seems like something that could change. Sure, Gerry’s children may live in Indiana now, and Theresa’s family may live in New Jersey, but who knows what the future could bring? It’s unclear why they couldn’t continue to go back and forth and split their time as they figured out what would come next.
On the other hand, perhaps Gerry and Theresa haven’t been completely honest about why they broke up.
If their issues were about more than location, they may be harder to overcome. Also, there is something to be said about Gerry and Theresa not wasting time waiting for the relationship to work, especially at their age. However, on that same note, they don’t have all the time in the world to date around. Unless their issues were unconquerable, The Golden Bachelor season 1 couple should give the marriage another try.
