Ben Higgins Explains Why He’s Keeping His New Girlfriend’s Identity Private for Now

Who is the Golden Bachelorette?

Joan Vassos, a 61 year-old school administrator, will star in the upcoming The Golden Bachelorspinoff as the Golden Bachelorette. She was a contestant on The Golden Bachelor's first season, but chose to leave the show to be with her daughter who was experiencing a medical emergency at the time.

The Golden Bachelor, Gerry Turner, shared his congratulations towards Joan via an Instagram post reading:

"Dear Joan, congratulations on being named the first ever Golden Bachelorette. You will be phenomenal as the new representative of a generation. From one Golden to another... relax, breathe, and enjoy. Gerry."

Winner of The Golden Bachelor, Theresa Nist, spread more love via Instagram Stories. She shared a few smiley photos of her and Joan together with the caption reading: "My dear friend, Joan, I am so excited for you!!"

Who will be part of "The Golden Bachelorette"?

The men of The Golden Bachelorette have been announced and it looks like they're going to keep Joan on her toes because they're hot!

If you don't feel like counting, there's 24 sexy grandpas who'll be competing for a chance to win the #1 spot in Joan's romantic life and they have amazing backgrounds.

According to Entertainment Weekly, here's everything you need to know about them:

Bill, Retired Videographer

Age: 68

City: Portland, OR

Bob, Chiropractor

Age: 66

City: Marina Del Rey, CA

Charles K., Portfolio Manager

Age: 62

City: Ranchos Palos Verdes, CA

Charles L., Retired Financial Analyst

Age: 66

City: Philadelphia, PA

Chock, Insurance Executive

Age: 60

City: Wichita, KA

Christopher S., Contractor

Age: 64

City: West Babylon, NY

Dan R., Private Investor

Age: 64

City: Naples, FL

David H., Rancher

Age: 68

City: Austin, TX

Gary L., Retired Finance Executive

Age: 65

City: Palm Desert, CA

Gil R., Educator

Age: 60

City: Mission Viejo, CA

Gregg L., Retired University Vice President

Age: 64

City: Longboat Key, FL

Guy C., Emergency Room Doctor

Age: 66

City: Reno, NV

Jack L., Caterer

Age: 68

City: Chicago, IL

Jonathan R., Shipping Consultant

Age: 61

City: Oakland, IA

Jordan H., Sales Manager

Age: 61

City: Chicago, IL

Keith G., Girl Dad

Age: 62

City: San Jose, CA

Ken O., Property Management Treasurer

Age: 60

City: Peabody, MA

Kim B., Retired Navy Captain

Age: 69

City: Seattle, WA

Mark A., Army Veteran

Age: 57

City: Leesville, LA

Michael S., Retired Banking CEO

Age: 65

City: Denver, NC

Pablo, Retired UN Agency Advisor

Age: 63

City: Cambridge, MD

Pascal, Salon Owner

Age: 69

City: Chicao, IL

R.J., Financial Advisor

Age: 66

City: Irvine, CA

Thomas H., FDNY Chief

Age: 62

City: New York, NY

When will "The Golden Bachelorette" air?

The Golden Bachelorette airs September 18 on ABC! You'll also be able to stream episodes on Hulu.

Watch The Full Trailer For "The Golden Bachelorette"

How can I watch "The Golden Bachelorette"?

According to ABC, The Golden Bachelorette will air on ABC and be available to stream on Hulu the following day. Historically, the different installments of The Bachelor have aired on Thursdays at 8pm ET.

What is the cast of "The Golden Bachelor" up to now?

It just so happens that our most beloved contestants from The Golden Bachelor, Kathy and Susan, have been working on a podcast titled Bachelor Happy Hour: Golden Hour. They've posted tons of episodes dishing on The Golden Bachelor experience.

The pair definitely showed some real chemistry during the first-ever Golden Bachelor, and the podcast is a true testament to their friendship.

“We can finish each other's sentences,” Susan told PhillyVoice about Kathy. “We're night and day, but yet we're the same in a sense. We just roll off each other, and it's so easy.”

As far as the winners of The Golden Bachelor, Gerry and Theresa, things worked out for a bit, but they mutually decided to end their marriage in April 2024. Many speculated that they split because they had settled down in different places of the country and found it hard to relocate for love.

“We looked at homes in South Carolina, we considered New Jersey, and we just looked at homes after home,” Theresa said during an interview on Good Morning America, “but we never got to the point where we made that decision.”

How successful was "The Golden Bachelor"?

According to Variety, the first installment of The Golden Bachelor reached about 43.4 million viewers, making it ABC’s most-watched unscripted premiere on Hulu. The finale amassed 6.1 million viewers, deeming it the biggest episode in Bachelor history in nearly 3 years.

We had so much fun watching the very first installment of The Golden Bachelor, that we just can’t wait to see the roles reversed for The Golden Bachelorette. The hype is very real!

Theresa Nist Speaks Out About The End Of "The Golden Bachelor" Marriage

Theresa Nist took to Instagram to share her thoughts about the end of her marriage to Gerry Turner. She's aware that everyone has opinions about what happened, but she's asking for people to be considerate as they navigate a new process. She partially wrote, "For everyone else who is confused and angry and who does not understand, please try to find it in your heart to understand and to try a little kindness...Sometimes things don’t go the way you planned and that’s okay."

It seems like she's doing her best to remain positive in light of everything that's happened. We can only imagine how scary it is to open yourself up to love in the public eye and become the topic of everyone's conversation.

"The Golden Bachelor" Couple Are Ending Their Marriage

Just when we thought things were working well for "The Golden Bachelor" couple, they decided to announce the end of their short-lived marriage on Good Morning America. Gerry Turner told host Juju Chang, "Theresa and I have had a number of heart-to-heart conversations, and we’ve looked closely at our situation, our living situation, so forth and -- and we’ve kind of come to the conclusion mutually that it’s probably time for us to -- dissolve our marriage."

Theresa Nist clarified that she doesn't want the people who rooted for them to believe love and marriage are hopeless. "We want none of that to change for anybody," she said.

We're sure that they truly had a connection, but it's not easy trying to navigate merging your life with someone no matter how old you are. It seems that Gerry and Theresa couldn't bear the thought of one of them being separated from their families, ultimately resulting in the tough decision that getting married may not have been the best thing to do.

We hope that they take as much time as they need to continue navigating their decision to end their public marriage.

"The Golden Bachelor" Blended Family Went On "Celebrity Family Feud"

Gerry and Theresa's newly-blended family revealed that they filmed an episode of Celebrity Family Feud in early April – and their opposing team wasn't that unfamiliar!

Theresa's daughter Jen posted some behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram, noting that the family went up against more Bachelor Nation members like Joey Graziadei, Kelsey Anderson, Charity Lawson, Dotun Olubeko, Zach Shallcross, and Kaity Biggar for their episode of Celebrity Family Feud.

Jen also gave us loose details about when the episode would officially air, writing in the caption of her Instagram post: "you’ll have to watch to see how it went down but no I’m not really sure when it’s going to be on… August?!"

Gerry posted a little preview too, saying that he "had a GREAT time at Celebrity Family Feud with the blended family."

Gerry's daughter Angie seemed super excited about being on Celebrity Family Feud as well, writing in her Instagram post that her dreams were fulfilled being on the show.

"Since I was little I wanted to be on family feud," she wrote. "I would dream about it and assemble my team in my mind. Yesterday…it happened!!!! We played celebrity family feud!!! It was so much fun."

A Recap Of "The Golden Bachelor" Wedding

Gerry and Theresa got married during a live taping of The Golden Wedding, and there were hardly any dry eyes during their sweet ceremony. To help them celebrate their new nuptials, former The Golden Bachelor contestant Susan Noles was their officiant. It felt like a full circle moment for Bachelor Nation, because more familiar faces could be seen in the audience, like Trista and Ryan Sutter.

Peoplereports that Gerry and Theresa's respective daughters gave heartfelt speeches that touched everyone. Gerry's daughters Angie and Jenny shared how proud they are of their dad before turning their attention to Theresa. Jenny said, "he found a fantastic woman that is beautiful inside and out to spend the rest of his life with."

Theresa's daughter Jen echoed their sentiments. She said, "we're beyond thrilled that you’ve brought us together as family."

Towards the end of the ceremony, Gerry could be heard telling guests, "I have a whole new outlook on life because of this journey and because of this woman." So cute!

An Inside Look At The Golden Wedding

Gerry and Theresa's daughters were all smiles as they walked down the aisle.

Gerry and Theresa's son-in-laws also walked down the aisle in tailored navy blue suits.

The guests couldn't take their eyes off Gerry and Theresa! We love to see it!

A final look at the newlyweds!

Everything Gerry And Theresa Said About "The Golden Bachelor" Wedding

After a long season, Gerry finally found his sweetheart. Theresa Nist, a financier from New Jersey, won the show with the ultimate gesture of love: a darling proposal from Gerry at the season finale! Despite the joyous ending, picking a final woman wasn't an easy decision for Gerry:

“I met some of the women and recognized they were beautiful and gracious and intelligent, but they weren't the right woman for me,” Gerry told People. “I had to find the right person.”

The lovely couple couldn't stop gushing about how thrilled they were as their big day approached. Their respective families are also over the moon, with Theresa's daughter and Gerry's granddaughters jumping on the opportunity to help celebrate.

“My daughter, she's seen a million weddings and she is incredible," Theresa said of her daughter, Jen. "She's put together the vision board. She's asking me, ‘Do you like this? Do you like this?’ And I go, ‘Wow, okay, I don't even have to do this. This is awesome.’ She's handling it pretty much.”

Gerry's daughters and granddaughters also attended the wedding.

“They're all involved,” he said. “There's a spot for every family member in the wedding party. We wouldn't have it any other way. It’s going to be spectacular.”

"The Golden Bachelor" Fantasy Suites Recap

The Golden Bachelor fantasy suites episode followed Gerry and the last two contestants, Leslie and Theresa all the way to Costa Rica, where they were given the opportunity to get... closer.

Sure, the fantasy suites provides massive potential for physical connection (or "knocking boots," as Gerry put it), but the Golden Bach was focused on emotions more than anything this time around:

“[To] ask the difficult questions that are strictly between two people, and also have the opportunity to be physically intimate with each other,” he said on the show. “At this age, it’s more gentle, it’s slow, it’s something you can savor, because it’s something that’s the most special [thing] you can have.”

Before he could elicit official invites for the fantasty suites, Gerry took both women on some *quite* adventurous individual dates. He rappelled down a waterfall with Leslie, and rode horses through the wilderness with Theresa. At the end of each date, he asked each woman to join him in the fantasty suite.

Whether boots were knocked or not, it was hard to narrow down who Gerry was really into after the fantasy suites episode. He told both Leslie and Theresa "I love you," but Gerry ultimately made a decision about who won his heart over.

“I headed towards the end, I was really in conflict about several of the women,” Gerry told People. “As very specific events occurred, it really helped me gain clarity on what I wanted to do.”

When and where can I watch "The Golden Bachelor"?

Since the series' first season is officially over, you can stream allThe Golden Bachelor episodes on Hulu.

Who's the first Golden Bachelor?

71-year-old Gerry Turner is the leading man on the spin-off series. Describing himself as "71 years young," the Indiana-based widower, father of two, grandfather, and retired restauranteur believes that it's "never too late to fall in love again."

Gerry was previously married to his high school sweetheart, Toni, who died in 2017 after becoming ill just six weeks after she retired. In an interview with Good Morning America, Gerry said that in her last weeks, all Toni wanted for him was happiness.

"For a while, I was having a hard time figuring out if she was okay... but we always told each other, when one of us goes, we want the other to be happy. She's up there rooting. She's saying, 'Yeah, Gerry, do this!'"

What is "The Golden Bachelor" about?

The Golden Bachelor gives seniors another shot at love, following one hopeless romantic in search of a partner to share their sunset years with. Promising to “showcase a whole new kind of love story,” the show carves out space for women who have a whole lifetime of experience living through love, loss, and laughter to meet their forever.

Each of the 22 women invited to the show hopes for a spark that ignites a future full of possibilities. In the end, the Golden Bachelor is set to find everlasting love in just one of them.

Angie and Jenny, Gerry's two daughters, were "very excited" about their dad's role on The Golden Bachelor. When asked about what he was looking for in a future Mrs. Turner, he says he's looking for someone with "high energy," who might even play pickleball and golf. Even now, there's no slowing down Gerry!

How many women are a part of "The Golden Bachelor"?

The Golden Bachelor started with a total of 22 women who are 60+ years of age. We love that the series was intentional about featuring a cast who's near the same age group as Gerry.

Which contestants stood out the most?

Every season, there’s always a handful of contestants who make unforgettable first impressions, and this time was no different.

Some of the most noteworthy ladies from the show included Sandra, a 75-year-old retired executive assistant from Doraville, Georgia. The most seasoned of the bunch kicked her first interaction with Gerry off with a sensual meditation session where she proclaimed her love for the “F” and “S” words. Same girl, same.

Theresa, a 70-year-old financial services professional from Shrewsbury, New Jersey, bared it all on her first meeting with Gerry. It was her cake day after all, and she figured there was no better time to show off her birthday suit than the show's first episode. LOL.

Faith, a 60-year-old high school teacher from Benton City, Washington, exuded cool-girl energy with a head-turning stunt. Riding in on a motorcycle with hair whipping, and even shocking audiences with a guitar solo, there’s no surprise that she walked away with a little kiss (and the first impression rose).

One of our favorite step-outs of the first night was Leslie, 64, who left the limo in a gray wig, a muumuu nightgown, and a walker to boot. But – after pulling off the guise to reveal a show-stopping sparklingly dress, the retired dancer proved that she’s anything but geriatric. And also, apparently Prince ( yes, *the* Prince) wrong a song about her?! Talk about an “it" girl.

While the overall vibes are buzzing right now, there's still a need to slow down, as Mars will be retrograde until February 24, 2025. Working with this energy over the next few weeks and months is critical. Mindfully pursuing goals, staying calm while frustrated, and using our determination and power for the best possible outcomes are part of the lessons while the planet of action is in this retrograde phase. There are nuances depending on where transiting Mars lands in your chart and where Mars was when you were born, but in general, it's a time to be extra careful, harness your energy wisely, and act upon ideas and opportunities to further your personal evolution.

This week, the Sun squares Neptune, and despite the energetic feeling of the season, it might be difficult to find motivation and enthusiasm for work. If you can take time off, do so. Tap into the dreamy energy to create something beautiful, whether it's to finish your holiday crafts or to host a gathering to let those you love know how important they are to you. Use music, lights, and candles to inspire and create a loving mood. Be aware that there is a tendency to see things through a rose-colored illusion. Make sure you're honest and upfront in all your dealings to avoid misunderstandings.

On December 21, the Sun moves into Capricorn. The winter solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Most ancient civilizations celebrated this occasion. Stone structures like Newgrange in Ireland were built with an alignment to the solstice sunrise. The indigenous Zuni tribe dances in gratitude for the abundance of the year. St. Lucia’s Day in Scandinavia celebrates light overcoming darkness by lighting candles. Devise your own ritual or adopt and modify what has been done in the past. Creating new traditions around ancient celestial happenings can be a wonderful way to celebrate the season.

Horoscopes for Sun and Rising Signs

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

You might feel like retreating from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Allow yourself to be inspired by your intuition and make time for quiet contemplation. You'll probably be more interested in engaging in a private spiritual practice with a few close loved ones rather than going to a large holiday gathering. It's a good time to honestly evaluate your life’s direction. This might feel disorienting and a little confusing. Practice patience (not easy for an Aries!) and trust that this period of time will put you in touch with a more authentic and spiritually aligned version of yourself.

Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

The challenge is to combine your big dreams with a practical plan of action. Are you supported by a solid community of collaborators to help manifest your ideas? It's important to be clear with your cohorts and work cooperatively toward a common goal. If you're the leader, make sure you lead with compassion and aim to lift everyone in the group, utilizing the unique skills of each participant. If you find yourself doing most of the work, re-evaluate the plan so that there is more reciprocity. There is an opportunity for creative and spiritual growth in the community. Just make sure everyone is benefiting in one way or another.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

You might feel a shift in your attitude about your career. This could feel disorienting if you have built your ego around success in the workplace. It's a good time to evaluate whether you have created a false persona and to adjust for better alignment with your more authentic self. If you have access to a mentor, ask for guidance as you navigate toward a more honest approach to your career. Courageously make any changes that will better reflect your positive and cooperative tendencies. Practice self-compassion and realize this could be a foggy, confusing time. Be honest with yourself about what is important as you explore a new way to be in your professional life.

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Connect with your spiritual center. You might feel as if there is a veil of illusion testing your trust in the unknown or unseen. Your intuition is keen and will be an asset as you navigate this hazy period of time. Go with the flow of life and let go of any need to control the outcome. This will create a sense of freedom. Release your ego needs and surrender to a higher sense of humility and compassion. Hone your meditation practice, devote yourself to music, and engage in anything that brings peace to your heart. The love energy will flow around you and those you cherish.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

You're in a phase to uncover the depths of your subconscious mind. What you reveal has the potential to transform you in profound ways, connecting you to your intuition and power. It's essential to communicate clearly, especially in matters involving finances. Refrain from borrowing money from friends or close associates. Reassess your spending habits and explore creative ways to increase your income. Financial independence will lead to a sense of freedom and autonomy, which will allow easier access to your inner intuition. This week marks the beginning of a period of self-awareness that will align you with your essence. Approach it with an open heart.

Virgo (August 23 – September 21)

You might be idealistic and only see the potential in your relationships. If you ignore reality, miscommunications and heartache are likely. It's important to be clear in all your exchanges. Make sure you're grounded and don’t get carried away with fantasies. If a loved one is ill, you'll likely feel a deep connection as your compassion is strong. You'll excel as a caregiver in this case. Be sure to practice self-care and keep in mind what you need as you establish healthy boundaries. Unconditional love is available, but you must take care of yourself as you extend that love to others.

Libra (September 22 – October 22)

Are you taking care of yourself? Your daily habits and routines are important. Make sure you're keeping your immune system healthy, as you'll be more sensitive to illnesses and infections. Sleep well and eat nourishing foods. Tune into your body for clues about your best approach to health. Moderation and mindfulness are key. Engage in a holistic approach and don’t neglect your mental and spiritual health. You might find yourself compelled to acts of service for others. Be sure you're taking care of yourself and have realistic boundaries in place before committing to helping others.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Your imagination and creativity are heightened. Harness your artistic expression with tangible projects. Use your intuition and inspiration to guide you. Be on the lookout for opportunities to express your creativity. You'll likely be super sensitive, and your emotions might be hard to control or define. This is not a time to intellectualize what you're feeling. Instead, translate your emotions into opportunities for self-understanding. You'll benefit greatly by working with a professional guide, whether a counselor or someone you can collaborate with on an artistic level.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

It's likely you're experiencing profound shifts in your internal world. Maintain a sense of peace and tranquility at home, as these shifts might cause you to feel unbalanced. There might be changes in your family dynamics. Let go of old patterns and roles that no longer serve you or your family. It's essential to establish boundaries with your loved ones. Clear and compassionate communication is necessary to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts. Take advantage of opportunities to express your newfound internal understandings, and you'll experience deeper connections. Spend time in nature and commit yourself to activities that keep you grounded and connected to the Earth.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Open yourself up to a more fluid state of mind. If you're accustomed to relying on your intellect, this is a chance to experience a more integrated way of being. Engage in activities that expand your consciousness and connect you to realms of spiritual understanding. You may have a desire to express your creative side in a new way. Allow yourself to experience life without knowing exactly where you're going, and trust that the process unfolding inside you will lead to a deeper understanding of yourself. Cultivate an inner gentleness and kindness as you continue on your path to greater self-compassion.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

This is a time to reassess your values. The material possessions you own may conflict with your spiritual needs. It's easy to become distracted or weighed down by your belongings. Take this opportunity to honestly evaluate what truly matters to you. If you find yourself overly focused on external, tangible indicators of success, consider shifting your attention to inner growth and spiritual fulfillment. Simplifying your life and prioritizing what aligns with your deeper values will create a sense of freedom and clarity, allowing you to connect more authentically with yourself and others.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Your intuition is heightened, and you may find yourself drawn to imaginative and creative pursuits. Allow your inner vision to guide you as you explore new ways to express yourself artistically or spiritually. However, be mindful of boundaries, especially in relationships. You have a natural inclination to give selflessly, but it's essential to balance this with self-care. Avoid overextending yourself emotionally or physically. Tap into the dreamy, compassionate energy of the season to strengthen your inner peace and connection to higher truths. This is an excellent time for introspection and for nurturing your unique gifts.