Before being cast as The Golden Bachelorette, Joan Vassos made her television debut as a contestant on The Golden Bachelor, and she recently revealed she’s still in contact with Gerry Turner. Joan, who recently celebrated her 63rd birthday, never thought she’d be dating again at her advanced age. She was married to John Vassos, who she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. After 32 years of marriage and four children together, John was diagnosed with cancer and passed away in 2021, leaving Joan a widower.
With her children already grown up and living away from home, Joan found herself alone and decided to appear in The Golden Bachelor season 1. When she had to leave the season early, she was cast as The Golden Bachelorette. After dating 24 single men, she gave her final rose to 60-year-old Chock Chapple and accepted his marriage proposal. Recently, Joan revealed she was still in contact with The Golden Bachelor, and it raised more than a few eyebrows.
Joan Left Gerry’s Season Early
What Could Have Been
Hope was in the air during the premiere night of The Golden Bachelor season 1. Replete in a tuxedo, Gerry stood outside the iconic Bachelor mansion, welcoming 22 single Golden women in a fleet of limousines. Among the women was Joan, a nervous widower still struggling with the guilt of dating again after the death of her beloved late husband. She didn’t seem to make much of a first impression on Gerry, but she did receive one of that night’s roses, so he had noticed her.
Gerry chose Joan to go on an early group date, which ended up being a talent show episode. Each of the other women gave impressive performances, but Joan was worried because she felt like she wasn’t as outgoing or talented as some of the other women. Instead of singing a song or dancing for Gerry, Joan wrote a heartfelt poem that she read aloud. Though it wasn’t the most exciting performance of the night, its simple authenticity charmed Gerry. Joan ended up winning the talent show competition, which meant she got to have a solo dinner with Gerry.
The dinner went great, and Gerry even gave Joan the group date rose, which meant she was safe for another week.
Things were looking good for Joan and Gerry when a call from home turned everything on its head. Joan’s daughter had recently given birth, and she was struggling with post-partum depression. Though it wasn’t a life-or-death emergency, Joan decided to prioritize her family. She left The Golden Bachelor that night and never returned. However, her journey was just beginning, as she was soon announced as the first Golden Bachelorette.
Gerry Married Theresa
The First Golden Bachelor Wedding
While Joan went to be with her family, Gerry continued his search for love on The Golden Bachelor season 1. In the end, he gave his final rose to 70-year-old Theresa Nist. Not only did the couple get engaged, but they planned a lavish Golden Bachelor wedding which aired on ABC just a few weeks after the final rose ceremony aired. The star-studded wedding was beautiful. ABC footed the bill and no expense was spared.
Gerry and Theresa came to represent a second chance at love, so everyone really wanted to believe that they’d live happily ever after.
Sadly, Gerry and Theresa were married for three months before they announced their divorce. Gerry and Theresa cited geographical differences for their split. He lived in Indiana, she lived in New Jersey, and neither wanted to move. The real reason for their divorce was confirmed by Gerry in an interview with People. While trying to treat a shoulder injury, The Golden Bachelor’s doctor discovered a problem with his blood work. Gerry was soon diagnosed with a slow-acting bone marrow cancer.
Devastated by the cancer diagnosis news, Gerry turned his focus to spending what time he had left with his family. Though he loved Theresa and wanted the relationship to work, he admitted that “it became less of a priority.” These days, The Golden Bachelor is focused on his health and his family. Gerry has two daughters and two granddaughters, and he wants to spend every minute with them. Gerry’s illness was the real reason The Golden Bachelor’s marriage ended in divorce.
Joan Revealed She Was In Touch With Gerry
They’re Still Really Good Friends
During a recent appearance on the Two Jersey J’s podcast, Joan told hosts Jackie Goldschneider and Jennifer Fesler that she and Gerry’s relationship had evolved into a “really good friendship.” She confessed she and Gerry continue to stay in touch regularly. When the hosts asked if Gerry may have ever wanted to give their relationship another chance, Joan responded, “I’m not gonna comment.” It’s unclear whether Joan knew about Gerry’s shocking cancer diagnosis at the time.
Will There Be Another Golden Bachelor Wedding?
Joan & Chock’s Wedding Plans
Joan and Chock have been engaged since the summer of 2024, which is when The Golden Bachelorette season 1 finished filming. Despite being engaged for a while, they haven’t set a date yet. It’s important to remember that during much of that time, they had to keep their relationship secret while the show was airing, which made it harder to get to know someone.
Joan and Chock made it clear that they wanted to take their time before rushing into a wedding.
The Golden Bachelorette season 1 couple is probably eager to avoid the same mistake Gerry and Theresa made when they got carried about by the excitement and flush of new love. That being said, Joan and Chock seem happier together than Gerry and Theresa ever were. If things continue to go well, fans could get another Golden Bachelor wedding someday soon.
