After the taping of the Men Tell All special for The Golden Bachelorette, Joan Vassos sat down with Extra to reflect on her experience and what’s next for her. The 61-year-old shared her joy at reuniting with the men from her season, saying, “I’ve missed these guys. We spent months together, and even if we didn’t have a romantic connection, we built lasting friendships.” Joan described the reunion as a “homecoming,” feeling as though no time had passed since they were last together.
One of the most surprising revelations for Joan was that many of the men are now in new relationships. “I was so shocked and excited for them,” she shared, laughing, “Apparently, they got over me really fast!” She expressed her happiness for the men, acknowledging how challenging it is to find love at this stage of life. “The dating pool is really small, so it’s wonderful to see them happy and moving forward in relationships so quickly.”
When asked if she found someone special during her journey, Joan teased, “I found a lot of love this season… I can’t tell you exactly how it finished, but I feel like I’m in the place I’m supposed to be.” Her words leave viewers intrigued about the outcome of her season, but Joan’s calm and content demeanor speaks volumes about her journey.
The Importance of Hometowns in Joan’s Decision
Joan also spoke candidly about the hometown dates, which played a pivotal role in her decision-making. “Hometowns are particularly important in the Golden series because we’ve spent so much of our lives building families and careers. I’m not leaving my family behind. I have my mom, mother-in-law, kids, and grandkids. And I don’t expect someone to give that all up for me,” she explained.
She described envisioning a future where she would spend time in her partner’s hometown and become part of their family’s life, balancing both her own established roots and the potential for new ones. “I fell in love with these people’s families,” Joan admitted. “Some of these families I really felt a close bond with, and it was hard to imagine not being a part of their lives. It was a tough decision.”
Who Should Be the Next Golden Bachelor?
When asked about who could take the reins as the next Golden Bachelor, Joan was diplomatic but enthusiastic. “There are so many amazing men on this show,” she said. “I don’t think there’s a single one that wouldn’t be great. Honestly, I couldn’t pick just one. They’re all wonderful.” Her praise for the men highlights the caliber of contestants, and it’s clear Joan felt a deep connection with many of them.
Joan’s journey on The Golden Bachelorette is far from over, but she’s already proved that the process of finding love later in life is filled with both deep connections and difficult decisions. Whether she finds lasting love with one of her suitors or continues to embrace her life as it is, Joan’s perspective is a refreshing reminder that age doesn’t limit the possibilities for happiness.
