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Gerry Turner threatens to quit 'The Golden Bachelor', calls experience almost as painful as wife's death

In an intense preview, Gerry Turner of 'The Golden Bachelor' storms off, confessing that 'this just isn't worth it all'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The star of 'The Golden Bachelor', Gerry Turner, is entering the agonizing phase of the show, and in a shocking episode airing on October 26, it all becomes too much for him.

In the newest Bachelor spinoff, the 72-year-old has set out on a journey for love in his latter years, and he gets to choose from a ton of amazing women.

There have been highs and lows, such as when competitor Leslie Fhima split the fans with her "red flags" and when another contender, Sandra Mason, was too ill to make it to the rose ceremony due to an overindulgence in ice cream.

The preview for Thursday's episode of the ABC reality TV show has already moved many people to tears, since viewers have fallen in love with Gerry.

'The Golden Bachelor' abruptly breaks down in tears and says he hasn't experienced this much sorrow since his late wife Toni passed away.

As he sets off on many passionate dates with the remaining women, Gerry -- who previously shared his advice on finding enduring love, begins things rather smoothly.

First, we witness Gerry and Faith Martin having a romantic one-on-one date that includes a boat and helicopter trip.

"Being here with Gerry is like a fairy tale I couldn't even begin to describe," Faith says before telling Gerry, "Every time I see you, I just fall for you deeper and deeper."

However, he also feels a similar bond with Theresa Nist, who acknowledges that it has been 52 years since she confessed her feelings for a man. She says to him, "I feel like I can't live without you now," and they kiss on a Ferris wheel.

Ellen Goltzer acknowledges that she harbors a deep affection for the retiring restaurateur, as if that weren't enough. After Ellen confesses to Gerry, "I am absolutely falling head over heels in love with you," Gerry kindly replies, "You're my girl."

But Gerry admits that it's all too much and says, "I've found a genuine, lasting love with more than one person." He is shown sobbing and holding his head in his hands in the following shot before hurriedly leaving the house via a hallway.

He utters, "I think it's time for me to go," and is then seen stooped down in a hallway. Gerry responds, "I'm wondering if my journey can come to a happy ending?"

He admits, "This just isn't all worth it," and then makes it clear how much it hurts. Gerry continues, "The only time I've ever felt worse in my whole life is when my wife passed away, and this is a god**mn close second."

Then, during a confessional interview, he says, "I'm done," and gets up.

Who was 'The Golden Bachelor' Gerry Turner married to?

Gerry, the Bachelor, is not a stranger to the notion of discovering true love. He had already had it with his wife, Toni Turner.

Unfortunately, Gerry's wife died in 2017 after 43 years of marriage. The Turners were infatuated in high school and settled in Indiana after being married in 1972. They later had two grandkids, Payton and Charlee, and two children, Jennifer and Angela.

"We had 43 wonderful years together," Gerry reportedly remarked, as reported by Bachelor Nation. "We had a real typical but beautiful life, full of love, full of activity, and as years went on, I retired."

Soon after the couple retired and purchased their ideal lakefront house, Toni became ill after all of their years together. She got a bacterial illness, which swiftly spread to her liver and kidneys. On July 15, 2017, Toni died in the hospital after battling for eight days.

Why did Gerry Turner join 'The Golden Bachelor'?

Gerry was devastated to have lost his wife just as they were realizing their goal. Fortunately, Gerry had his kids and granddaughters by his side to help him through this difficult period.

"No one’s ever going to replace Toni, but the love of my daughters and my granddaughters pulled me out of a dark spot,” Gerry stated in the Bachelor "Men Tell All" episode.

After six years, Gerry is prepared to start looking for love once more. Gerry stated on Good Morning America, "We always told each other when one of us goes, we want the other to be happy. She's up there rooting [for me]. She's saying, 'Yeah, Gerry. Do this.'"

'The Golden Bachelor' airs on Thursdays on ABC at 8 pm ET.