As the finale of The Golden Bachelorette approaches, speculation about who will win Joan Vassos’ heart—and whether that winner will propose—has reached a fever pitch. While Chock Chapple has certainly made an impression on Joan, there are signs that he might not be ready to take that big step.
Joan’s Journey of Loss
Joan, a 61-year-old private school administrator from Maryland, has endured profound loss over the past few years. Her husband, John Vassos, passed away in 2021 after 32 years of marriage and raising four children together. This heartbreaking experience left a significant mark on her life, making the prospect of new love both exciting and daunting.
Despite the challenges, Joan bravely agreed to join The Golden Bachelor, although she had to leave early due to a family emergency. Fortunately, she was later cast as the lead in The Golden Bachelorette, where she met Chock and 23 other eligible men. Now, as the competition narrows down to just three suitors, including Chock, it raises the question: If he wins, will he propose?
Chock’s Emotional Baggage
Chock, a 60-year-old insurance executive from Wichita, Kansas, also has a complex love history. His first marriage to Heather Chapple ended after 12 years, and he subsequently became engaged to Katherine Elizabeth White Goree. Tragically, Katherine passed away from cancer in 2022, leaving behind two children. Chock’s shared experience of love and loss with Joan has undoubtedly brought them closer, yet it may also hinder his readiness to commit fully.
Both Chock and Joan are navigating their grief, and this shared sorrow is evident in their interactions throughout the season. While their emotional connection is undeniable, Chock may not be prepared to move on from his late fiancée just yet.
Joan’s Stance on Engagement
Adding to the uncertainty is Joan’s recent public stance on marriage. In a May interview with CNN, she emphasized that she wouldn’t rush into engagement with anyone from the show. This sentiment followed the divorce announcement of Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist from The Golden Bachelor. Joan expressed her belief that couples need more time to truly understand one another before making a lifelong commitment. Given this perspective, it’s clear that she’s cautious about the pace of her relationships, making an engagement unlikely.
The State of Their Relationship
With only three men left in the competition—Chock, 66-year-old Guy Gansert, and 69-year-old Pascal Ibgui—it appears that none of the remaining relationships are sufficiently developed to result in marriage right away. This holds true for Chock and Joan as well. Even if Chock emerges as the winner, Joan may prefer to take her time rather than jumping into a proposal.
Conclusion
While Chock and Joan have built a meaningful connection throughout The Golden Bachelorette, both carry the weight of their pasts, and Joan’s commitment to not rushing into marriage adds another layer of complexity. As viewers eagerly anticipate the finale, it’s clear that while Chock may win Joan’s heart, the journey toward an engagement may still be a distant goal for this pair.
