Joan Vassos, a fan favorite from The Golden Bachelor, has been captivating audiences as the leading lady of The Golden Bachelorette. As the season finale approaches, Joan sat down for an exclusive chat with Bachelor Nation to reflect on her experience, reveal behind-the-scenes details, and share heartfelt moments that made her journey special.
Watching Her Journey Unfold
When asked how it felt to watch her season play out, Joan expressed her excitement. “Oh, my gosh, it’s been so much fun! I didn’t expect to enjoy watching it back as much as I did,” she said. One of her favorite parts was seeing the interactions between the men when she wasn’t around. “It was like watching a bunch of kids at summer camp. They were snoring, cooking, doing each other’s laundry, and just having a blast together. Every Wednesday, that’s been my favorite part to watch.”
The Toughest Moments: Rose Ceremonies
Reflecting on her experience, Joan admitted that the Rose Ceremonies were the most challenging part. “I second-guessed myself so many times. It was really tough, and I would start worrying about it days in advance,” she shared. Despite the difficulty, Joan feels confident that she made the right choices, especially with her final four suitors. “It was exactly who it should have been,” she affirmed.
A Special Moment with Family
Joan also shared a touching story about her mother and mother-in-law, who were initially supposed to join her on a date during the season. Unfortunately, her 92-year-old mother fell ill and couldn’t make it. “She had pneumonia, and it was heartbreaking because she was so excited to be part of it,” Joan explained. However, they both made it to the audience for the Men Tell All special. “It felt like everything came full circle. It was so special to have them there.”
Her Favorite Date: Prom Night Magic
When asked about her favorite date of the season, Joan fondly remembered the prom-themed group date. “It was the first time I got to see the men really bonding and supporting each other,” she said. The date was filled with emotional moments, including when one contestant, Jonathan, opened up about his heartbreak from 1981. “It was so healing for him,” Joan shared. Another highlight was when Charles L. called it the happiest day of his life since losing his wife. “It was incredible to witness those moments of healing and joy.”
A Bittersweet Reunion with Pascal
Joan also reflected on her emotional reunion with Pascal during the Men Tell All special. Their relationship ended unexpectedly after a tense Fantasy Suites date. “It was hard when it happened. I thought we had something special, and I even pictured a future together,” Joan admitted. She recalled the uncomfortable Tahitian Bonding Ceremony, which felt a bit too much like a wedding. “I could see his walls going back up, so when he decided to leave, it wasn’t a total shock, but it still hurt.”
During their reunion, Joan was able to express her feelings to Pascal for the first time since their breakup. “I didn’t want him to carry any guilt. He shouldn’t feel bad about it. I knew what I was signing up for, and so did he,” she said. Joan emphasized that she only wanted the best for Pascal and wished him happiness. “I wasn’t his person, and that’s okay. Ultimately, his decision led me to where I needed to be as well.”
Looking Ahead to the Finale
With the season finale approaching, Joan is excited for viewers to see how her journey concludes. She hinted that it’s been a transformative experience, one that has brought her unexpected joy and clarity.
“Thank you so much for chatting with us, Joan,” the interviewer concluded. “We can’t wait to see how your journey ends!”
