The Golden Bachelor star Theresa Nist may have felt the pressure surrounding her relationship with Gerry Turner after their live TV wedding, but I’m convinced their sudden divorce blindsided her. Theresa’s time on The Golden Bachelor season 1 was full of flirty fun and reality romance, but her connection with Gerry was one of the strongest in the series. While Gerry narrowed his choices down to Theresa and his eventual runner-up Leslie Fhima, it was clear from early episodes that his connection with Theresa was meant to be seen as something special. The pair got engaged during the Golden finale.
After The Golden Bachelor finale, it was revealed that Gerry and Theresa’s engagement would be a short one. The happy couple shared that they were getting married in just a month, excited to be starting the next chapter of their lives together. Opening up about the fact that they wanted to start their lives together as soon as possible, the Golden couple planned a quick wedding with the help of The Bachelor franchise and ABC. A live TV event, the wedding was a spectacle that featured all of Bachelor Nation’s brightest but ushered in the end of Gerry & Theresa’s relationship.
Gerry Came Into The Golden Bachelor With A Plan
He Was Hoping For Love, Not Fame
Gerry’s time as The Golden Bachelor has proven to be one of the least successful for a lead in the franchise, but it began with a major wave of success that The Bachelor hadn’t seen in years. Gerry, a widower who was focused on finding someone to love in the second act of his life, was a personable, charming guy who was hopeful, but realistic. Sharing that he hadn’t dated since his wife died unexpectedly a few years prior, Gerry had worked through his heartbreak but was open to making a major change in his life for the right person.
Throughout The Golden Bachelor season 1, Gerry spent his time connecting with the women of his season in the traditional way that Bachelor leads do, but the authenticity behind Gerry’s relationships was refreshing. In part because of his age, Gerry appeared to be one of the more open, vulnerable Bachelor leads the franchise had ever seen. It felt real, but when the illusion around Gerry’s persona shattered post-season, it was revealed that he likely came into the series with a plan. I believe Gerry was hopeful he’d find someone on the show who could help him to become more famous.
Theresa Was Looking For The Experience Of A Lifetime
She Was Looking For A Genuine Connection
While Gerry may have been hatching a plan to find a wife that would bring him fame and fortune, Theresa was looking for someone in a more genuine way. Sharing that she hadn’t dated much since her late husband passed away, the New Jersey native joined The Golden Bachelor for the experience of a lifetime. Though she wasn’t certain she’d find love, Theresa was open to falling for Gerry throughout their time on the series. Her motivations were likely pure coming into The Golden Bachelor season 1, and even if Gerry’s weren’t, the relationship they built was genuine for Theresa.
Gerry Knew The Marriage Wouldn’t Last
He Wasn’t Willing To Compromise
After the wedding special, Bachelor Nation began to keep track of Gerry and Theresa’s whereabouts, as there was something strange that the couple hadn’t opened up about. While Gerry had shared that he was happy with his home in Indiana, a dream lakefront property he’d purchased with his wife for their retirement, he wasn’t upfront about whether or not he’d be inviting Theresa to live with him there. Theresa was clear with her new husband that she didn’t want to miss out on any of her grandchildren’s lives being far away from them, but the couple hadn’t discussed further plans.
While Theresa had seemed to be hopeful that her relationship with Gerry would be something that moved around with her, Gerry was clear that he didn’t want to leave the lakehouse he’d bought. Many have wondered if this divide was the reason for their divorce, but ultimately, I believe that Gerry has used this as more of a front and an excuse as to why their relationship didn’t last. I think Gerry knew he wasn’t interested in getting into a serious relationship berore The Golden Bachelor and did the show for clout, but knew that the marriage itself wouldn’t last.
Theresa & Her Family Played Into Gerry’s Hand
They Were All Blindsided By Gerry
Although Theresa was part of a larger cast, she and her family played directly into Gerry’s hand when it came to her time on The Golden Bachelor. Gerry’s behavior was too good to be true, and when it fell apart, Theresa and her family took the brunt of the break. Even Theresa’s daughter, Jen Woolston, was kind about her mother’s breakup from The Golden Bachelor. Despite knowing that Gerry was likely chasing fame and fortune rather than love on The Golden Bachelor, the issues that came from his marriage to Theresa were bigger and bolder than anyone could’ve expected.
