Bachelor Nation is preparing for the inaugural season of The Golden Bachelorette , starring ex- Golden Bachelor contestant Joan Vassos. 61-year-old Joan was one of 21 women who competed for the heart of Gerry Turner in 2023. Her journey, however, was cut short when she left the show in the third episode to support her daughter after an unexpected medical emergency arose.
When the school administrator from Rockville, Maryland, returns to the screen on September 18, she will be handing out the roses in her search for a second chance at love. “Vassos is a remarkable woman whose life has been defined by her resilience, zest for adventure and strong family values,” reads her official Golden Bachelorette bio. Besides having to self-eliminate from The Golden Bachelor , she has also faced several other challenges along the way, including the heartbreaking loss of her husband after 32 years of marriage.
“Vassos remains an embodiment of strength and grace as a devoted mother of four, grandmother of three, and school administrator, while finding solace in the music of Elton John, spending time with her dog, and cooking,” it continues. “Now, as she steps into the golden spotlight and begins her journey to seek love once more, Vassos envisions a future filled with shared moments by the beach and cherished time with family.” From Bachelor winner Kelsey Anderson’s “hot dad,” Mark, to Tina Turner’s godson, meet the 24 contestants fighting to become Joan’s next love belo.