Who was Joan Vassos’ husband? ABC star announced as first ever ‘Golden Bachelorette’

ABC's decision to crown Joan Vassos as the lead of the show was met with enthusiasm
PUBLISHED MAY 15, 2024
Joan Vassos announced first Golden Bachelorette (Instagram/@joan_vassos)
Joan Vassos announced first Golden Bachelorette (Instagram/@joan_vassos)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'The Golden Bachelor' star Joan Vassos' husband, John Vassos, died in 2021 after battling pancreatic cancer. John was 59 years old at the time of his death, and the couple had been married for over 30 years.

Joan Vassos made headlines recently when she was announced as the first Golden Bachelorette, a groundbreaking move by ABC. Hailing from Rockland, Maryland, Joan is a 61-year-old grandmother and school administrator.

Her introduction as the first Golden Bachelorette came as a surprise during Disney's upfront presentation to ad buyers. This unveiling created a buzz of excitement and anticipation among fans and industry insiders alike.

Following the success of the Golden franchise and amid heavy speculation, ABC's decision to crown Joan as the lead of the show was met with enthusiasm. Her selection marked a pivotal moment for the franchise, signaling a deliberate move towards embracing diversity and catering to a broader audience.

Why did ‘The Bachelor’ star Joan Vassos quit ‘The Golden Bachelor’?

Joan Vassos made the difficult decision to quit the show due to a pressing family matter. During her time on 'The Golden Bachelor,' Joan Vassos formed a connection with Gerry Turner, the Golden Bachelor. However, she was faced with a sudden and urgent situation involving her daughter, who needed her care and support in the real world.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation and placing her family above all else, Vassos tearfully made the difficult decision to leave the show, ensuring she could be there for her daughter during this challenging time.

Vassos' departure was a heartfelt moment on the show, as she expressed her deep regret at leaving the competition prematurely. Despite her feelings for Turner and the potential for romance, her maternal instincts compelled her to prioritize her daughter's well-being above her desires.

Joan Vassos with Gerry Turner (@abc)
Joan Vassos with Gerry Turner (@abc)

‘The Golden Bachelor’ star Gerry Turner calls Joan Vassos ‘phenomenal’

Gerry Turner, the former star of 'The Golden Bachelor,' shared his excitement and support for Joan Vassos, the newly announced Golden Bachelorette. In an open letter posted on Instagram, Turner praised Vassos, calling her "phenomenal" and expressing confidence in her ability to represent their generation as the first-ever Golden Bachelorette.

He encouraged her to savor the moment, reminding her to relax, breathe, and embrace the journey to find love.

Gerry Turner's lion tattoo has an inspiring meaning behind it (Instagram/@goldenbachabc)
Gerry Turner from 'The Golden Bachelor' (Instagram/@goldenbachabc)

When is ‘The Golden Bachelorette’ releasing?

'The Golden Bachelorette' is set to debut on ABC this fall, expanding the network's popular franchise. This new addition joins the lineup of beloved shows such as 'The Bachelor,' 'The Bachelorette,' 'Bachelor in Paradise,' and 'The Golden Bachelor.'

This announcement comes as ABC decided to forego a new season of 'Bachelor in Paradise' this year. Instead, the network is diving straight into the twentieth season of 'The Bachelorette,' which is scheduled to premiere on July 8th. 

Theresa Nist and Gerry Turner got engaged during 'The Golden Bachelor' finale (Instagram/@goldengerryturner and @theresa_nist)
Theresa Nist and Gerry Turner from 'The Golden Bachelor' finale (Instagram/@goldengerryturner and @theresa_nist)

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