Theresa Nist, the winner of The Golden Bachelor Season 1, has revealed a surprising and unexpected side effect of her newfound fame: receiving direct messages from admirers much younger than her.
In a recent interview with People, the 71-year-old reality TV star admitted, “I do get approached through Instagram direct messages, but you wouldn’t believe how young these guys are. They’re so young that they’re younger than my son!” She added with a laugh, “These young guys—I’m talking 33-year-olds—persist and persist. It baffles me!”
Theresa became a fan favorite on the groundbreaking first season of The Golden Bachelor in fall 2023. She captured Gerry Turner’s heart and their whirlwind romance culminated in an engagement during the finale. The couple tied the knot during a live ABC special in January 2024, marking a historic moment for the series. However, by April, the pair announced their divorce, citing the challenges of long-distance love as a key factor in their decision to part ways.
While their split raised eyebrows, Gerry made headlines this week after revealing he had been diagnosed with bone marrow cancer during their marriage. Theresa, however, clarified that his diagnosis didn’t play a role in their separation—at least not from her perspective. “If that was something on his part, maybe, I don’t know,” she said. “But no, that didn’t factor into ending the relationship. Part of it was the distance, but that wasn’t the only part. That’s really all I will say.”
Despite the divorce, Theresa remains optimistic about love but is taking a measured approach to dating. “I’ve been asked [out], and I’ve said no,” she shared. “I’m more clear on what I want, so I don’t want to waste anyone’s time.” She expressed her belief that life is richer when shared with a partner but acknowledged the challenges of dating later in life. “It’s hard for young people to find someone; imagine how much harder it gets at 71. That number scares people.”
Theresa may not be in a rush to date, but her younger admirers seem undeterred. For now, she’s focused on enjoying life, embracing her new chapter, and staying open to the possibility of love when the timing feels right.
