Since her departure from The Golden Bachelor in 2023, Joan Vassos has maintained a warm and supportive connection with Gerry Turner, the show’s inaugural lead. Joan, who left the show early to care for her daughter after her recent childbirth, later starred as The Golden Bachelorette, finding love in a season of her own. Despite their separate journeys, Gerry and Joan have continued to speak highly of each other, showcasing a unique friendship that emerged from shared experiences.
Gerry’s Words of Praise and Advice for Joan
When Joan was announced as The Golden Bachelorette in 2024, Gerry took to Instagram to share his enthusiasm and encouragement. “Dear Joan, congratulations on being named the first-ever Golden Bachelorette,” he wrote. “You will be phenomenal as the new representative of a generation.” He ended with a supportive message: “From one golden to another, relax, breathe and enjoy. Gerry.”
Gerry’s endorsement was more than just a gesture; it set the tone for a mutual respect that would only deepen over time. Joan revealed to Entertainment Tonight that she and Gerry stay in touch frequently, exchanging texts and discussing their unique experiences. “He’s a very, very good friend,” Joan shared, acknowledging how Gerry’s openness helped shape the path for future leads.
Joan’s Heartfelt Support for Gerry Post-Divorce
Joan also expressed surprise and sympathy upon learning of Gerry and Theresa Nist’s split after their whirlwind engagement and televised wedding. “I was surprised. I loved watching their journey,” Joan said during a CNN interview. “I believed, just like they did, that they were the perfect couple.” She commended them for embracing love wholeheartedly, saying, “I applaud them for doing that. And when they discovered it wasn’t perfect, they called it quits, which is okay. We have to let them follow their hearts.”
Shared Wisdom and Friendship
Joan spoke highly of Gerry’s influence on her approach to leading The Golden Bachelorette. “He kind of created the road map that we have now,” Joan explained. “There’s no rulebook, and he wrote it a little bit.” She noted his emphasis on being open and vulnerable, advice that guided her to be genuine from day one. “This is a quick journey. You can’t leave anything on the table,” Joan added.
A Touch of Pressure and Gerry’s Cameo
Although Joan confessed to feeling “a little pressure” to live up to Gerry’s example, she expressed her commitment to making her season authentic. “I really wanted this to work,” Joan told TheWrap. “I wasn’t going to make it work, so I was really conscious about how I went on this journey.”
Their bond was further showcased when Gerry made a surprise appearance in Joan’s season trailer. In a moment that spoke volumes, he asked Joan, “Have you considered the possibility that your guy is not here?” Joan reflected on their conversation, describing it as “good” and “insightful” ahead of the premiere. This brief cameo and their candid reflections are proof of a relationship built on mutual admiration, friendship, and the shared pursuit of true love.
