Bachelor Nation is ready to embark on another heartfelt journey, this time with 61-year-old Joan Vassos, who is set to headline ABC’s inaugural season of The Golden Bachelorette.
The private school administrator from Rockland, Maryland, became a fan favorite during her brief stint on The Golden Bachelor last fall. Now, she’s ready to step back into the spotlight, handing out roses and redefining what it means to find love later in life.
A Chance to Change Perspectives
When Vassos learned she’d been cast, the news felt almost surreal. “It was like I was floating over my body,” she told CNN.
For Vassos, this journey is about more than finding love; it’s about reshaping societal views on aging. “In our culture, growing old isn’t seen as a dignified thing. You’re expected to fade into the background,” she shared. “I’m hoping we change that. There’s so much knowledge we carry from living life, and we deserve to be seen and valued.”
From Heartbreak to Hope
Fans first met Vassos on The Golden Bachelor as one of 22 women vying for Gerry Turner’s heart. She quickly captured attention with her humor, grace, and original poem, “I Just Hope I Don’t Vomit on Your Shoes,” performed during the season’s talent show.
Although Vassos and Turner shared a special connection, her journey was cut short in Week 3 when family responsibilities called her home. Her daughter, who had recently given birth, needed her, and Vassos made the difficult decision to leave the show.
As Turner tearfully bid her farewell, he acknowledged her selfless choice. “I get it,” he said. “But I can’t tell you how disappointed I am.”
A Golden Opportunity
Despite leaving early, Vassos left an indelible mark on Turner and viewers alike, making her a natural choice for The Golden Bachelorette. However, she faced competition for the coveted role. Leslie Fhima, Turner’s runner-up, was considered a strong contender, expressing her willingness to lead if asked.
Fan favorites Susan Noles and Kathy Swarts, who now co-host a podcast, also weighed in, predicting that both Vassos and Fhima would shine in the spotlight. Ultimately, ABC chose Vassos, citing her charisma, depth, and resilience.
A New Era for Bachelor Nation
ABC’s decision to expand the Golden Bachelor franchise comes on the heels of Turner’s season, which concluded with his engagement to Theresa Nist. While their televised wedding in January captivated fans, their unexpected divorce in April left many yearning for new stories of love and hope.
Jason Ehrlich, co-showrunner of The Golden Bachelor, hinted that The Golden Bachelorette would have a unique tone. “It’s going to be different,” he explained, “but we’re excited to capture the same genuine feeling of people earnestly looking for love.”
The new series is set to premiere this fall, airing Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET, with episodes expanded to 90 minutes.
For Joan Vassos, this isn’t just a second chance at love—it’s a platform to inspire and uplift. As she prepares to take on the role of The Golden Bachelorette, she’s showing the world that love and adventure don’t have an expiration date.
