After The Golden Bachelor took Bachelor Nation by storm, fans eagerly awaited a female-led version of the heartwarming series. Their wish was granted when ABC officially announced The Golden Bachelorette, with 61-year-old school administrator Joan Vassos as its first-ever leading lady.
Now, Joan has shared a major update—filming is about to begin!
“Excited, nervous, and overpacked… but, mostly ready to get this golden journey started ✨,” Joan captioned a June 12 video of herself packing for the Bachelor Mansion. “Feeling all the feels as I pack up to start my next chapter 🌹 I’ve never been this vulnerable and grateful at the same time.”
With her bags packed and her heart open, Joan is ready to embark on a new adventure—one that could lead her to love once again.
Is The Golden Bachelorette Really Happening?
After months of speculation, ABC made it official in February: The Golden Bachelorette was coming. A teaser trailer dropped on Instagram, confirming that a brand-new love story was on the way.
By May, the network announced Joan as the first-ever Golden Bachelorette, solidifying her place in franchise history. Fans may remember Joan from The Golden Bachelor season 1, where she and Gerry Turner had a strong connection before she unexpectedly left due to a family emergency.
Now, Joan is getting a second chance at love, this time on her own terms.
Who Is Joan Vassos?
Joan is a 61-year-old school administrator from Maryland, a devoted mother of four, and a grandmother of two. She was married for 32 years until her husband, John Vassos, passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2021.
Reflecting on her loss, Joan shared on Instagram:
“It’s been three years…Some days it seems like it just happened, and I can’t catch my breath. Other days, it feels like he’s been gone a lifetime.”
Despite the heartbreak, Joan has remained hopeful about finding love again.
“People find love on the show, and I want to find love still,” she told E! News after her time on The Golden Bachelor.
Her bio for the show describes her as a loving, hardworking woman who’s happiest at the beach with her family and hopes to find a family man to blend her life with.
Now, she’s taking a leap of faith in her own journey for love.
Gerry Turner Supports Joan’s New Role
Gerry Turner, who made history as the first Golden Bachelor, has given Joan his full support.
In May, he shared a heartfelt message on Instagram:
“Dear Joan, Congratulations on being named the first-ever Golden Bachelorette. You will be phenomenal as the new representative of a generation. From one golden to another… relax, breathe, and enjoy.”
Joan responded with gratitude, saying:
“You have taught me so much about being open and vulnerable, and how looking for love at this age can be dignified and fun. Thank you for setting the stage for the rest of us Goldens!”
When Will The Golden Bachelorette Air?
While ABC hasn’t officially announced a filming schedule, Joan’s packing post makes it clear—filming is about to start!
The show is set to premiere this fall, airing on Wednesdays on ABC.
With Joan’s mix of warmth, wisdom, and willingness to take a chance on love, The Golden Bachelorette is shaping up to be another must-watch season.
We can’t wait to see Joan’s journey unfold!
