Golden Bachelorette Joan Vassos expressed her shock and admiration for Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist after the couple announced their divorce.
“I was surprised. I loved watching their journey. I saw them fall in love,” Joan, 61, shared during a CNN interview on Tuesday, May 14. “I believed, just like they did, that they were the perfect couple. I applaud their courage to jump into this process with both feet, ready to find love.”
Gerry, 72, and Theresa, 70, had both experienced profound love before joining The Golden Bachelor season 1. Gerry’s late wife, Toni, and Theresa’s late husband, Billy, had passed away years earlier. Joan highlighted that this shared understanding of love likely strengthened their bond.
“They knew what true love was because they’d already found it once,” Joan reflected. “I also applaud them for realizing when it wasn’t perfect and deciding to end things. It’s not the end of the world. We need to let them live their journey. If it wasn’t right, it’s better that they followed their hearts.”
The pair revealed their decision to part ways during an emotional interview on Good Morning America in April, just three months after their televised wedding. News of Gerry’s divorce filing broke the same day, leaving fans of The Golden Bachelor stunned.
Joan’s Journey on The Golden Bachelor
Joan, who competed alongside Theresa on The Golden Bachelor, stepped away from the show early to prioritize her family. At the time, her daughter had just experienced a complicated delivery.
“My daughter had a baby, and it wasn’t a routine delivery,” Joan shared in a heartfelt confessional. “Even if everything had gone smoothly, you need your mom. My family will always come first. Once you’re a mom, you’re always a mom, no matter how old your kids are.”
While Joan left the show to support her family, she did not abandon her search for love. Her grace, wisdom, and sincerity earned her the title of the first-ever Golden Bachelorette.
The Next Chapter: Joan as The Golden Bachelorette
On Tuesday, Joan officially announced her new role as the lead for The Golden Bachelorette, set to premiere in fall 2024.
“The secret is out!” Joan wrote on Instagram. “I’m honored to be #TheGoldenBachelorette.”
Gerry Turner also took to social media to congratulate Joan, proving that the camaraderie among Golden Bachelor contestants remains strong.
“Dear Joan, congratulations on being named the first-ever Golden Bachelorette,” Gerry wrote on Instagram. “You will be phenomenal as the new representative of a generation. From one golden to another … Relax, breathe, and enjoy.”
A Symbol of Resilience and Hope
As Joan steps into this new role, she represents resilience, grace, and the belief that love can be found at any stage of life. Her journey, intertwined with challenges and triumphs, promises to inspire audiences as they watch her navigate the dating world once again.
