“I truly believe those two fell in love,” the fan favorite contestant said in a reaction video on April 12
The Golden Bachelor contestant Susan Noles explains what she thinks caused the divorce between Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist.
The 67-year-old fan favorite replied to an Instagram comment on a video of her and former co-star Kathy Swarts discussing the couple’s April 12 announcement.
The Instagram user asked the former contestants, “Why did they break up so quick?”
Noles simply replied to the inquisitive user: “Neither one of them can leave their family.”
Noles’ insight follows the couple’s announcement to “dissolve” their marriage on April 12 while speaking with Good Morning America. The Golden Bachelor couple explained that, ultimately, there was a difference in location goals, as their plans to move to South Carolina together had fallen through.
Following their romance during season 1 of The Golden Bachelor, the former couple tied the knot on national television on Jan. 5. After their wedding, both remained in their home states, Turner in Indiana and Nist in New Jersey.
Noles also said in the Instagram video that prompted the user’s question that she wishes her friends all the best.
“My heart is broken for them,” began Swarts. “It is sad. It is tragic. Please, people, be kind. These are our friends. The love didn’t work out, but they’re great people, and our hearts are breaking for them.”
“Don’t give up on the idea of meeting somebody on a show like that,” said Noles. “There are so many people out there that are still in love. And I truly believe those two fell in love, right Kathy?”
“I absolutely agree,” replied Swarts, 70.
“They have the reasons, I’m sure. So be supportive. Everybody stay positive, and we wish them all the best,” said Noles.
Nist shared similar sentiments to Noles while making the divorce announcement. As the couple thanked those who supported their relationship, she said, “I don’t think we can tell you how many people told us it gave them so much hope.”
“We want none of that to change for anybody,” said Nist. “Don’t give up,” she added. “Stay in it. Stay hopeful. ‘Cause we are.”
At the time of the announcement, a source told PEOPLE that “it was never going to work” between the couple. “Things have been tough for months,” the source added. “They’ve been fighting since right after the wedding.”
