The Golden Bachelorette’s Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple have been under intense scrutiny since getting engaged during the final rose ceremony, and I wish people would leave them alone. Instead of attacking Joan and Chock, I wish people would realize what a great love story they are and how inspiring their relationship is. 61-year-old Joan was a contestant on The Golden Bachelor season 1, but when things didn’t work out with 72-year-old Gerry Turner, the private school administrator from Maryland was cast as The Golden Bachelorette.
Joan met 60-year-old Chock during the premiere night of The Golden Bachelorette season 1. Though he didn’t receive her first impression rose, he did receive her highly coveted first solo date. That date was a turning point in their relationship, and neither of them ever turned back. By the time Joan was giving Chock her final rose, it was a foregone conclusion. She had sent her runner-up home earlier, so there wasn’t even a traditional rose ceremony. Joan and Chock seem happily engaged, but that hasn’t stopped people from being unfairly critical of them.
Joan & Chock Deserve To Be Happy
They’ve Both Been Through So Much
Joan and Chock had been through so much loss over the last few years, so they saw kindred spirits in each other. Before appearing as a contestant on The Golden Bachelor season 1, Joan was married to John Vassos for 32 years before he passed away in 2021. Throughout Joan’s time on both shows, she struggles with the guilt of dating other men, despite John being gone. She kept feeling like she was cheating on her late husband, even though he had wanted her to move on and not spend the rest of her life alone.
Chock has also experienced the loss of a great love. His fiancée of nine years, Katherine Goree, passed away in 2022. While Chock was filming The Golden Bachelorette season 1, his elderly mother died. Chock had to leave The Bachelor mansion to go home and be with his family. He tearfully bid Joan farewell, and it was unclear if he’d ever return. Joan was devastated to lose Chock, but he found a way to make it back to her. He was already so deeply committed to Joan he didn’t want to miss out on winning her heart.
Joan & Chock Seem To Be Blissfully Happy
“Love Is Golden”
It’s hard not to notice how happy Joan and Chock have been since getting engaged during The Golden Bachelorette season 1 finale. Once Joan and Chock were finally able to go public with their relationship, they were eager to shout their love out from the mountaintops of social media. From the moment Chock slipped a ring on Joan’s finger, they haven’t been able to keep their hands off each other.
Joan and Chock are so into each other, and everyone should be happy for them.
Soon after their engagement went public, US Weekly posted a photo shoot of the couple on Instagram, in which Joan and Chock joyfully celebrate their engagement. The post’s caption reads, “Love is golden.” Joan and Chock are clearly on the path to their happy ending, and instead of hating on them, I wish people would be happy for them. They’re setting a great example for older people who want to find love again, and I’m inspired by their willingness to open their hearts after experiencing so much pain.
Joan & Chock Should Ignore The Haters
They Don’t Owe Anyone Anything
Joan and Chock have been under enormous scrutiny since getting engaged on The Golden Bachelorette season 1. Between accusations of being a showmance, or being clout chasers, Joan and Chock have received criticism. The happy couple should do their best to ignore the noise and remember that most people are happy for them. The haters happen to be louder, but it doesn’t mean they represent the majority. Joan and Chock should shut out the drama and focus on making each other happy.
