4 things to remember about Joan Vassos' time on The Golden Bachelor

Our first-ever Golden Bachelorette, Joan Vassos, is not new to Bachelor Nation. The 61-year-old private school administrator won over the hearts and minds of fans worldwide on Gerry Turner’s season of The Golden Bachelor. The Golden Bachelor and The Golden Bachelorette are the first dating shows aimed at more mature singles looking for love. Since Joan is back for another shot at love, let’s look back at her time on The Golden Bachelor. 

1. Joan’s shocking exit

Joan was one of the contestants in the history of The Bachelor franchise to self-eliminate. While many contestants leave in dramatic displays, Joan’s reason for ending her time with Gerry Turner showed her genuine character. 

Joan’s daughter was suffering a health crisis after giving birth. Joan rushed home to give her daughter support and be by her side. Showing that she would always put family first, Joan was a natural pick for ABC to be the first-ever Golden Bachelorette.

2. Joan’s prior relationship

Bonding with Gerry was not the first time Joan had looked for love. She previously was married to John Vassos, an entrepreneur who passed away of pancreatic cancer in 2021. The two were married for 32 years before his passing. 

Joan shared a heartfelt post on the third anniversary of his passing stating “I always knew that the hole he left in the universe when he passed away could never be filled, but I didn't realize that maybe people might just stop noticing it was there.”

3. A dark horse pick

Fans were shocked that Joan, who left The Golden Bachelor fairly early in week three, was going to lead The Golden Bachelorette. Typically, ABC chooses one of the finalists or at least contestants that make it to hometowns to helm future seasons of the show. 

Many fans were surprised when Joan Vassos was announced as the bachelorette at the Disney Upfronts. Both of Gerry’s runners-up, Leslie Fhima and Faith Martin were more popular with the audience. 

4. Not the end of the road for Joan and Gerry?

While we don’t know the context of Gerry’s appearance on Joan’s season, The Golden Bachelorette episode teaser shows Turner stepping out of a limo to have a chat with Joan.

Gerry wasn’t the only one disappointed Joan had to leave before he could explore a connection with her. Could she have left such a lasting impression that he returned to compete for her heart?

While Gerry did get engaged and married to his final pick, Theresa Nist, the two couldn’t make long-distance work and divorced three months after their wedding special. 

What were you most surprised to learn about Joan?