Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple, the beloved couple from The Golden Bachelorette, are finally able to share their love story without secrecy. After a heartfelt proposal during the show’s finale, the couple is now looking ahead to the future, discussing their engagement, upcoming wedding plans, and even who they think should be the next Golden Bachelor.
A Love That Endured
Joan, a school administrator with four children and two grandchildren, had previously appeared on The Golden Bachelor, where she made it to the top contenders before leaving to help her daughter during a medical emergency. Despite her past heartbreak after losing her husband, John, to pancreatic cancer, Joan entered her season of The Golden Bachelorette ready to find love again.
Chock, a successful insurance executive, had his own journey of loss. After being married for 12 years, he lost his first wife, Kathy, to a brain tumor in 2022. Chock was also engaged once more before joining the show. Despite their shared histories of grief, Joan and Chock’s connection was undeniable, and Chock even received the first one-on-one date.
However, their journey faced an unexpected challenge when Chock’s mother passed away while filming. He left to be with his family, but Joan was concerned he might not return. Thankfully, he came back, and they continued building their connection, eventually leading to Joan’s decision to give Chock her final rose.
During the proposal, Chock pledged to honor both Joan’s late husband and his own late wife. “I’ll honor him by loving you every day,” Chock told Joan, which meant the world to her. “He accepts [John’s memory] so freely,” Joan shared. “That makes everything easier for us.”
Life After the Show
After months of keeping their relationship secret, both Joan and Chock are excited to be public. “It feels great,” Chock said, ready to start their new life together. Joan echoed the sentiment, adding that being able to share their relationship with friends and family has been a relief.
As for their future plans, the couple is considering their living arrangements, with Chock gifting Joan a “Chock Lock,” symbolizing a future together in New York City. Chock, who lives in Kansas, and Joan, in Maryland, are planning to spend time in New York before settling on a place they both love.
Wedding Plans: Big or Small?
While the couple hasn’t yet set a wedding date, they are both looking forward to the next chapter. Joan shared that they might consider a televised wedding, following in the footsteps of The Golden Bachelor couple Gerry and Theresa Nist. However, they’re also open to something more intimate, depending on what feels right.
“We’ll have fun being ‘those people’ during the holidays,” Joan said, before starting serious wedding planning in the new year. “I feel like showing that in a televised wedding would be a nice thing for people to see,” she added.
Who Should Be the Next ‘Golden Bachelor’?
As for the future of The Golden Bachelor, Joan and Chock have their thoughts. While they believe several of the men from this season would be great leads, Chock has a favorite: Charles Ling. He even joked that Charles should run for president in 2028, saying, “Either he’s going to be the Golden Bachelor, or he’s going to be president.” The crowd went wild, and it’s clear that Charles has a strong following among fans.
Conclusion
Joan and Chock’s love story is just beginning, and while they’re taking their time with wedding plans, their bond is already an inspiration to viewers everywhere. As the couple settles into their new life together, it’s clear that they are ready to make the most of their second chance at love.
