The romance of The Golden Bachelorette captivated Bachelor Nation, with Joan Vassos’ journey to love being both heartwarming and emotional. After losing her husband of 32 years in 2021 and stepping away from the dating scene to raise her four children, Joan reentered the world of love through The Golden Bachelor. Though her initial journey ended due to a family emergency, fate gave her another chance as the lead of The Golden Bachelorette.
Among the 24 hopeful suitors vying for her heart, one man stood out: Chock Chapple, a 61-year-old insurance executive from Kansas. Despite some fan criticism, their connection grew stronger with each passing moment. Here are eight reasons why Chock is truly Joan’s perfect match.
1. Chock Fought Relentlessly for Joan’s Heart
From their magical first solo date at Disneyland to a less enchanting bowling group date, Chock’s focus never wavered. He wasn’t comfortable sharing Joan’s attention with other men and made his devotion clear, staying close to her throughout. While some might see his behavior as possessive, Joan appreciated the intensity of his affection, feeling special and deeply wanted.
2. Family Values Unite Them
Joan and Chock share a deep commitment to family. Joan left The Golden Bachelor to support her daughter during a postpartum crisis, putting family first. Similarly, Chock faced heartbreak when his mother passed away mid-season, but his return to Joan showed his determination. This shared prioritization of loved ones strengthened their bond and highlighted their shared values.
3. Chock’s Patience Proves His Love
Initially, Joan expressed hesitation about rushing into marriage, stating she needed more time to truly know someone. However, when Chock proposed during the finale with a dazzling diamond ring, she enthusiastically accepted. Chock’s willingness to wait until Joan feels ready for marriage demonstrates his respect and deep affection.
4. Their Public Joy Reflects Genuine Happiness
Since going public with their engagement, Joan and Chock have radiated joy. In a US Weekly feature following their engagement, the couple embraced in glowing photos that celebrated their love. Their genuine connection and displays of affection have melted fans’ hearts and affirmed their compatibility.
5. Chock’s Love Outshines Other Relationships in the Franchise
The failure of Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist’s rushed marriage during The Golden Bachelor underscored the importance of true emotional and physical connection. Unlike Gerry and Theresa’s detached relationship, Joan and Chock’s chemistry is undeniable, proving their bond is built to last.
6. Chock Proved His Devotion Through Shared Loss
Chock, like Joan, understands the pain of losing a loved one. After losing his fiancée of nine years in 2022, Chock opened up about his grief during a solo date with Joan. This shared experience brought them closer, creating a deep emotional connection rooted in mutual understanding.
7. Joan & Chock Make a Great Team
Joan faced challenges with other suitors, including Pascal Igbui, who abruptly ended their relationship after expressing doubts about his feelings. Chock, however, remained steadfast, showing unwavering devotion and emotional maturity throughout the season.
8. Their Families Blend Seamlessly
Since their engagement, Joan and Chock have focused on bringing their families together. With Joan’s four adult children and Chock’s two college-aged children, blending their families could have been challenging. Instead, the holidays became a joyful celebration of unity. The couple spent Thanksgiving in Maryland with Joan’s family and Christmas in Kansas with Chock’s, sharing happy moments in matching Christmas pajamas.
Joan & Chock: A Golden Future
With their families united and their love stronger than ever, Joan and Chock are proving that love truly can bloom later in life. Their journey continues to inspire fans, and many are eagerly awaiting the possibility of another Golden Bachelor wedding.
