Joan Vassos, the first-ever Golden Bachelorette, found her happily ever after with Chock Chapple on the ABC reality show, which debuted in September 2024. Joan, who was looking for love after the loss of her husband in 2019, met 24 men and, after an emotional journey, chose Chock. Their connection blossomed on-screen, leading to a romantic proposal on the beaches of Bora Bora.
Their Journey Begins: Disneyland and Deep Connections
Joan’s first impression of Chock was made in the premiere episode, where he introduced himself with a spoonful of his “Chock-a-noodle soup.” Despite giving her first impression rose to Keith Gordon, Chock made an immediate impact. Joan picked Chock for the first one-on-one date, where they shared a magical day at Disneyland. During the evening portion, they connected deeply over the loss of their respective partners—Joan’s husband John, who passed away from cancer in 2019, and Chock’s fiancée Kathy, who lost her battle with brain cancer.
The Heartbreak and Resilience: A Family Tragedy
In October 2024, Chock’s journey on The Golden Bachelorette took a heartbreaking turn when he received devastating news: his mother, who had been battling stage four cancer, passed away. He left the show temporarily to be with his family, but later returned to continue his romance with Joan. During his hometown visit in Kansas, Chock introduced Joan to his family, honoring his late mother’s memory. Their bond only grew stronger, with Joan reflecting on their connection in Us Weekly, saying, “We started talking and never stopped. It was so easy.”
The Big Moment: Proposal in Bora Bora
In the finale of The Golden Bachelorette, which aired in November 2024, Chock proposed to Joan with a Neil Lane diamond ring on the stunning beaches of Bora Bora. Joan, overwhelmed with emotion, told Chock, “I waited til this moment in this amazing location to tell you that I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” The couple has since shared their excitement for the future, including their plans to host an engagement party in Los Angeles and begin apartment hunting in New York City.
Looking Ahead: A Life Between Two Coasts
Though they are eager to build a future together, Joan and Chock are navigating the complexities of their separate lives. Joan has children and grandchildren in Maryland, and Chock has a business in Kansas, which means they’ll divide their time between the two states. However, they also have big dreams for the future. Both have longed to live in a big city, and now they’re determined to make that dream come true. “We’re finally at this weird stage in life for making this dream come true,” Joan shared, as the couple plans to find a place in New York City, marking a new chapter in their relationship.
