When Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple got engaged during the finale of The Golden Bachelorette, I was skeptical. Fresh off the disappointing fallout of The Golden Bachelor‘s Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist—whose marriage lasted a mere three months—I couldn’t help but assume Joan and Chock’s relationship was another fleeting “showmance.” But as time passes, I find myself reevaluating that judgment. Could Joan and Chock prove to be the real deal?
Why Doubt Creeped In: Learning from Gerry and Theresa
My initial skepticism stemmed from the heartbreak of Gerry and Theresa’s rushed engagement. Like millions of fans, I was captivated by the idea of senior citizens rediscovering love on national television. Their televised wedding was nothing short of magical. Yet, their whirlwind romance ended almost as quickly as it began, leaving a bitter aftertaste. It taught me that even fairy tales crafted for TV don’t always lead to happy endings.
That disillusionment colored my perspective on Joan and Chock. Unlike Gerry and Theresa, however, Joan and Chock seem to be taking a more grounded approach to their relationship. Their slower pace, coupled with their visible happiness since leaving the show, has made me question whether I was too quick to dismiss them.
Joan & Chock: A Bond Forged Through Shared Loss
What sets Joan and Chock apart is the depth of their shared experiences. Both have faced immense personal tragedies that shaped their lives before appearing on The Golden Bachelorette. Joan lost her husband of 32 years, John Vassos, in 2021. Similarly, Chock endured the loss of his fiancée, Katherine Goree, in 2022.
Their shared grief created a bond that was evident early in the season. Chock’s devotion became even clearer when he temporarily left filming to grieve his mother’s passing. His return to the show, determined to pursue his connection with Joan, showcased his commitment. These moments highlighted a maturity and depth in their relationship that felt authentic.
A Careful Approach to Love
Unlike Gerry and Theresa, Joan and Chock are taking their time. After their engagement, the couple revealed in an interview with Life & Style that they were in no rush to walk down the aisle. Instead, they are focused on building a solid foundation, getting to know each other’s families, and making intentional decisions about their future.
This careful approach is a refreshing departure from the rushed timelines of past Bachelor Nation couples. While fans may be clamoring for another high-profile wedding, Joan and Chock’s restraint is a testament to their sincerity.
Proving the Skeptics Wrong
Since leaving The Golden Bachelorette, Joan and Chock have consistently shown that they’re more than just a reality TV couple. Their public appearances, social media updates, and interviews depict a couple genuinely enjoying their time together. They’ve embraced their blended families and supported each other through milestones.
While it’s too soon to say if they’ll make it down the aisle, Joan and Chock’s relationship feels like a step in the right direction for the Golden franchise. They’re proving that love can be rediscovered at any age—and that taking your time to nurture it is a key ingredient for success.
