Gerry Turner, the inaugural lead of ABC’s The Golden Bachelor, has opened up about a life-altering cancer diagnosis he received earlier this year. The 72-year-old reality star revealed to People magazine that he is battling Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, a rare and incurable form of blood cancer.
This revelation sheds light on some of the challenges Gerry faced during his brief marriage to Theresa Nist, the winner of his season. The couple wed in a highly publicized live TV special in January but announced their divorce just three months later.
A Surprising Diagnosis Amid Life Transitions
As Gerry and Theresa tried to build a life together, the diagnosis added an unexpected layer of complexity to their relationship. “As Theresa and I were trying very hard to find our lifestyle—where we were going to live and how we were going to make our life work—I was unfortunately diagnosed with cancer,” Gerry shared.
His journey toward the diagnosis began with what seemed like an unrelated medical issue: a shoulder injury. “I finally went to see an orthopedic surgeon,” Gerry recounted, “and he said, ‘There’s not much we can do for your shoulder, but there are some unusual blood markers here.’”
From there, Gerry was referred to a hematology-oncology team in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The diagnosis confirmed Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, a condition with no known cure. “It felt like 10 tons of concrete had been dropped on me,” Gerry admitted. “I was in denial for a while, not wanting to fully accept it.”
Balancing Health and Relationships
Gerry shared the news with Theresa in February, with the diagnosis becoming definitive in March. Reflecting on her reaction, he said, “It was a brief conversation. I think she was a bit awestruck, which is understandable.”
As Gerry grappled with the weight of his diagnosis, his priorities began to shift. “I wanted my life to continue as normal as possible,” he explained. “For me, that meant spending more time with my family—my two daughters, my two sons-in-law, and my granddaughters. While I still valued finding a way with Theresa, it became less of a priority.”
The whirlwind romance and marriage, which had been a highlight of the Golden Bachelor season, became a bittersweet memory. “That glamour and starstruck, whirlwind time was a cherished memory,” Gerry said. “I wish it had a different ending, that we could’ve found solutions to our problems, and most of all, that I didn’t have a diagnosis that so strongly influenced my decisions.”
Looking Ahead with Resilience
While the diagnosis has altered Gerry’s path, he remains focused on making meaningful connections and treasuring time with loved ones. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges that can arise even amid moments of joy and celebration.
Despite the challenges, Gerry continues to approach life with a sense of gratitude and resilience. His journey resonates with many fans of The Golden Bachelor, offering a glimpse into the complexities of finding love and navigating life’s unforeseen difficulties later in life.
