“I Was Afraid to Tell You”: A Phone Call Marked by Respect and Closure
In the world of The Golden Bachelor, viewers witnessed a rare, mature love story — one marked not by drama or deceit, but by vulnerability. Even after their whirlwind romance ended in a headline-making divorce, Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist remained symbols of late-in-life love and dignity. But perhaps one of the most revealing moments of all happened off camera, months later, with a single phone call.
Before Gerry Turner introduced his new girlfriend, Lana Sutton, to the public, he picked up the phone and called his ex-wife — a move that surprised many but spoke volumes about the kind of man he wants to be.
“He said, ‘I just wanna let you know I met someone.’ I said, ‘That’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you.’ He goes, ‘I was afraid to tell you,’” Theresa recalled.
“‘Why would you be afraid? I only want your happiness.’”
The Scene Behind the Scene: At the Finale Taping
The decision to call didn’t happen in a vacuum. According to Theresa’s recent interview with US Weekly, it all began behind the scenes of The Bachelor finale taping for Grant Ellis. It was there, surrounded by familiar faces from the franchise, that Gerry first brought up his dilemma.
He confided in Joan Vassos and Leslie Fhima — two women who not only shared history with him but had also remained close to Theresa. Their advice? Be honest. Leslie, who now speaks to Theresa almost daily, assured him that she would understand — and perhaps even be happy for him.
That support gave Gerry the courage to send a text the next day, asking, “Can you talk?”
A Man Torn Between the Past and Present
For Gerry, the phone call wasn’t just a formality — it was a deeply emotional moment. It’s easy to forget that, behind the polished TV edit and the flurry of fan reactions, this was a man who had shared vows on national television, only to have the relationship dissolve under intense public scrutiny.
Calling your ex-spouse to say you’ve moved on is never easy. Doing it as a former reality star whose love life is constantly under the microscope is even harder.
By admitting he was “afraid,” Gerry showed a rare vulnerability that doesn’t always make it to air. He didn’t know how Theresa would react. Would she be angry? Hurt? Dismissive? Instead, she met him with grace — a response that made the moment feel like a scene from the show we all wished had aired.
Theresa’s Response: Compassion Over Conflict
Theresa’s reply might just be the most healing line to come out of The Golden Bachelor universe:
“Why would you be afraid? I only want your happiness.”
It wasn’t a sound bite crafted for television. It was a sincere, human moment between two people who had once loved each other deeply — and now understood the importance of letting go with kindness.
Their call wasn’t about rekindling romance or settling old scores. It was about closure — and perhaps a shared hope that both could find the peace they’d been searching for.
The Call That Closed a Chapter
In a world where breakups are often broadcast for entertainment, this quiet moment of respect and mutual care stands out. Gerry Turner didn’t have to call Theresa. But he did — not because the cameras were rolling, but because it was the right thing to do.
It may not have been part of the televised season, but for many fans, that conversation was the true finale.
