Joan Vassos, the charismatic lead of The Golden Bachelorette season 1, sent shockwaves through Bachelor Nation when she joked about her celebrity crush on Rob Lowe. “I’d drop fiancé Chock Chapple in one minute,” she quipped in jest. But Lowe isn’t the only Hollywood heartthrob who has captured her admiration. Joan recently revealed her fondness for Kevin Costner, which surprisingly played a role in keeping her engagement under wraps before the show’s finale aired.
Kevin Costner: The Code Name for Love
The Golden Bachelorette season 1 finale aired on November 13, revealing Joan and Chock’s engagement—a moment that had actually taken place in early August. To avoid spoiling the outcome of the show during the three months between the proposal and the finale, the couple had to keep their relationship a secret. One strategy they used? Assigning aliases to each other in their phones.
Joan, a longtime Kevin Costner fan, saw the perfect opportunity to incorporate her admiration for the Yellowstone star. “In my phone, he’s Kevin C—Kevin Costner,” she shared with Decider.
Considering Costner’s iconic performances in Field of Dreams and The Bodyguard, it’s hard to argue with Joan’s excellent taste. However, fans couldn’t help but notice a coincidental twist: Kevin Costner’s fictional demise as John Dutton in Yellowstone’s fifth and final season aired during this period, marking a bittersweet end for both the character and his unexpected role in Joan’s covert engagement strategy.
Time to Move On: Saying Goodbye to Kevin C
Joan admitted it might be time for her and Chock to leave their secret aliases behind now that their engagement is public knowledge. “Today, I’m gonna change [Chock’s] name to a normal name in my phone because he’s still Kevin in my phone,” Joan confessed, adding a lighthearted farewell to her celebrity crush.
Despite her humorous remarks about Costner and Rob Lowe, Joan has made it clear she’s all in on her relationship with Chock. Still, her playful comments have drawn laughter and intrigue from fans who can relate to having a celebrity crush or two.
Rob Lowe’s Hilarious Response
Joan’s earlier confession about Rob Lowe also drew significant attention. During an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Joan joked that her feelings for the 9-1-1: Lone Star actor might rival her love for Chock. The playful comment made its way back to Lowe, who responded with humor. He joked about being the next Golden Bachelor, claiming it would be even better than winning a Golden Globe.
While Lowe isn’t a contender for the show—being “very, very married,” as Joan put it—his witty response added another layer of entertainment to the conversation.
What’s Next for Bachelor Nation?
As Joan and Chock move forward with their engagement, Bachelor Nation eagerly anticipates the announcement of The Golden Bachelor season 2 lead. Speculation points to Mark Anderson, Jonathan Rone, or Charles Ling, though fans are keeping a close eye on any potential surprises.
For now, viewers will soon turn their attention to The Bachelor, as Grant Ellis’ journey kicks off the 2025 TV schedule. The show premieres Monday, January 27, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, promising another season of romance and drama.
