The Golden Bachelorwas a must-watch, butThe Golden Bachelorette’s Joan Vassos will be a better lead than Gerry Turner was. Unlike 72-year-old Gerry, 61-year-old Joan isn’t as interested in fame, so she’ll be in a much better position to find love. Gerry is a retired restaurateur who made his television debut when he was chosen to lead the first season ofTheBachelorspin-off, and Joan made her television debut during his season. Joan, a private school administrator, was one of the 22 women who vied for Gerry’s heart.
Though Joan and Gerry didn’t hit it off right away, she won a group date challenge and spent one-on-one time withThe Golden Bachelor, and the two hit it off. Theirbudding relationship was stunted when Joan had to leave the show earlydue to a family emergency. WhenThe Golden Bacheloretteseason 1was announced, there was a great deal of speculation about who the lead would be. Joan was among the favorites, so it wasn’t a total surprise when she was chosen. She seems more down to earth than Gerry and will be an excellent lead.

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Joan Is Looking For Love Not Fame
She Proved It By Leaving The Show
Joan exited Gerry’s seasonofThe Golden Bachelorto be with her daughter, who had just had a baby and was struggling with post-partum depression. Though Joan liked Gerry and they had just had an incredible date and connection overall, sheput her family first and walked away from the show. This proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Joan isn’t doing this for fame but to find true love.
Joan Is More Authentic Than Gerry Was
She’s More Grounded
They say that everything happens for a reason, and maybe Joan went home early fromThe Golden Bachelorseason 1because her true love was still out there. Joan was widowed in 2021, andshe was finally ready for a second chance to build a special connection with a new man.TheGolden Bacheloretteseason 1 has a much higher chance of resulting in an ideal match because Joan is more honest than Gerry. He may have had the best intentions, but Gerry even lied about his past relationship status.
Gerry claimed that he had been single since the death of his wife in 2017, but it turned out he’d had a serious relationship that ended poorly.

Joan Is More Realistic Than Gerry Was On The Golden Bachelor
She Doesn’t Plan To Rush Into Marriage
In a May interview withCNN, Joan made it clear she would not be rushing into marriage no matter what happened onThe Golden Bacheloretteseason 1. She said it wasn’t entirely because of Gerry and Theresa’s divorce, she feels people need more time to get to know each other. This meansfans can forget about anotherGolden Bachelorwedding special. She explained that while two of her children are excited about the opportunity, the other twodon’t want to have to see their mother making out with multiple men on TV.
73 years old

61 years old
Private school administrator
Widowed
The Golden Bacheloretteseason 1 will premiere on August 10, 2025, on ABC.
The Golden Bachelorette
Cast
The Golden Bachelorette: This reality series offers one woman in her later years the opportunity to find love, as a group of seasoned men compete for her affection. Participants bring diverse romantic histories, seeking a meaningful connection and a chance to build a promising future together.