Joan Vassos and Gerry Turner have maintained a strong friendship ever since she left The Golden Bachelor, but rumors have been swirling about whether Gerry wanted to rekindle their connection after his divorce from Theresa Nist.
In a recent appearance on the Two Jersey Js podcast, Joan, 62, was asked about her ongoing relationship with Gerry, 72. “We are really good friends still,” she shared. “We stay in touch.” However, when pressed on whether Gerry may have hoped for a second chance with her after splitting from Theresa, Joan gave a cryptic response: “I’m not gonna comment.”
Her choice of words has only fueled speculation. Did Gerry reach out to Joan after his marriage ended? While the details remain unclear, one thing is certain—Joan has moved forward with her own love story.
Joan Found Love Elsewhere
Joan left The Golden Bachelor early in 2023 to care for her daughter, who had recently given birth. Meanwhile, Gerry continued his journey and ultimately got engaged to Theresa Nist. They tied the knot in a televised wedding in January 2024, but just three months later, they announced their shocking split.
By then, Joan had taken on a new role—as the lead for The Golden Bachelorette, making history as the franchise’s first-ever female lead. At the end of her season, she found love with Chock Chapple, 61, who proposed to her in the finale.
Unlike Gerry and Theresa, Joan and Chock are in no rush to walk down the aisle. “I think that we all kind of maybe learned a lesson from Gerry and Theresa—that maybe that was too quick, and they probably don’t want to make that mistake again,” Joan said. “I certainly am not in any rush to get married. I am actually really happy right now, just not having anything to do.”
Joan & Chock Are Taking Their Time
Chock shares Joan’s mindset about their future wedding. In an Instagram Story on January 14, he revealed that people frequently ask when they plan to get married. “Somebody today at lunch said, ‘[20]25?’ And I said, ‘Maybe at the end of [20]25 or [20]26,’” he shared.
For now, Joan and Chock are focused on deepening their relationship and enjoying their time together. “We’re having a lot of fun just getting to know each other,” Chock said. “So it’s time well spent.”
Big City Dreams: Moving to NYC?
While Joan and Chock are currently navigating a long-distance relationship—she lives in Maryland, and he has business commitments in Kansas—they are making plans for a future together. One of those plans includes finding a place in New York City, where they can spend time together near their East Coast-based children.
“This first year, we obviously have to figure out life,” Joan explained. “Chock has a business in Kansas. I have kids and grandkids in Maryland. I’m not leaving Maryland, but he does have obligations in Kansas.”
Despite their separate commitments, the couple shares an exciting dream. “We’ve always wanted to live in a big city, specifically New York,” Joan revealed. “So Chock surprised me and said, ‘I want us to go find a place.’”
Their love story is unfolding at its own pace, and unlike The Golden Bachelor’s whirlwind romances, Joan and Chock seem determined to build something lasting—on their terms.
