Joan Vassos, a former contestant from Gerry Turner’s season of “The Golden Bachelor,” has been named the inaugural star of “The Golden Bachelorette” on ABC. This exciting announcement was revealed at the Disney Upfronts presentation in New York City on Tuesday, May 14. As we await the premiere of “The Golden Bachelorette,” let’s delve into Joan’s life and the journey that led her to this moment.
Plus, it will help you best get to know Joan so you can win your league on Bracketology!
The New Golden Bachelorette: Joan Vassos
Joan Vassos, 63, is set to star in the first season of ABC’s female-led version of the senior dating show, a significant milestone that has generated much anticipation among fans. Vassos is no stranger to the Bachelor franchise, having appeared as a contestant on Gerry Turner’s season of “The Golden Bachelor.” Her journey on the show, however, was cut short when she voluntarily decided to withdraw to prioritize her family.
Early Life and Background
Joan Vassos hails from Rockland, Maryland. She earned her bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Maryland and currently works in alumni relations at the Landon School, a position she has held since 2021. Joan’s career has been marked by dedication and a strong sense of community, reflecting her commitment to both her professional and personal life.
Family and Personal Life
Joan was married to her husband, John, for 32 years before he passed away from pancreatic cancer in January 2021. Together, they had four children: Allison, Nicholas, Erica, and Luke. Joan is also a proud grandmother of two, who affectionately call her “Jojo.” Her deep love for her family was evident when she chose to leave “The Golden Bachelor” to support her daughter, who was struggling with postpartum depression after the birth of her baby.
Joan’s Journey on “The Golden Bachelor”
Joan Vassos made a memorable debut on “The Golden Bachelor,” the first-ever senior dating show, starring Gerry Turner. Although her time on the show was brief, Joan left a lasting impression with her warmth and genuine spirit. She chose to exit the show during week three to be with her family, a decision she explained on Instagram in October 2023.
“My journey to find love took a detour this week as I traded the mansion for motherhood and headed home to be with my family. Family comes first, period. Once a mother, always a mother; I’ll always choose my kids first. Thank you for all of your outpouring love and support, for not only me but also my daughter—everyone is now healthy and happy! As for me and my journey to love… guess we will have to see where it takes me next. Until then, stay golden,” she wrote in an instagram post.
Becoming the Golden Bachelorette
Joan Vassos’ journey took a new turn when she was announced as the first Golden Bachelorette. This honor reflects her resilience, grace, and the inspiring way she navigates life’s challenges. Joan updated her Instagram bio to reflect this new chapter: “The first Golden Bachelorette,” it reads, alongside a rose emoji and the show’s Instagram tag.
Gerry Turner, the Golden Bachelor from her season, shared the exciting news on his own Instagram and congratulated Joan in an open letter. “You will be phenomenal as the new representative of a generation,” he wrote. “From one golden to another… Relax, breathe, and enjoy.”
The Show’s Impact and Reception
The decision to feature a female lead in the senior dating series came after “The Golden Bachelor” ranked as the No. 1 new unscripted series in its season among adults ages 18-49, according to ABC. The show also marked ABC’s No. 1 unscripted series premiere ever on Hulu, indicating a strong audience interest and a positive reception.
Joan Vassos: Personal Reflections and Advocacy
Joan has been open about her experiences, both on and off the show. In January 2024, she shared a heartfelt tribute to her late husband, John, on Instagram. “He was the husband that always made me feel safe and cherished,” she wrote. “He was the parent that was always the fun one because that’s all he knew how to do… lucky kids because fun in his book was generally epic.”
She continued, “Honestly, I think that’s how he would want to be remembered… by not forgetting him. Please keep telling the stories, don’t worry, they don’t make me sad… let’s be honest, most of them are funny! As the Greeks say, ‘May his memory be eternal.'”
Commitment to Family
Joan’s dedication to her family was a central theme during her time on “The Golden Bachelor.” She often speaks about the privilege of being a mother and grandmother, and how these roles have shaped her life. “A huge thank you to everyone expressing their concern for my family,” she shared on her Instagram Story in October 2023. “It’s a privilege to be a mom to four amazing kids and a grandmother (they call me Jojo) to two beautiful grandchildren. But once a mom, always a mom, and sometimes the timing doesn’t work out with finding love.”
Close Bonds and New Friendships
Joan formed close bonds with many of the women on “The Golden Bachelor,” friendships that have continued beyond the show. “I’m so lucky to have been surrounded by such sweet and supportive women,” she wrote alongside a clip of her informing them she was leaving the show. Joan often posts photos with her fellow contestants, showcasing the lasting friendships she made during the show.
In April, she shared a photo with the ladies reuniting at a restaurant, writing, “Golden girls back together!” Around the same time, Joan reunited with them for an episode of “Celebrity Family Feud,” sharing images of the fun they had together on set. “Never imagined we’d be on Celebrity Family Feud but yesterday we got to meet Steve Harvey and play to win funding for a charity of our choosing. So thankful to have had this amazing opportunity with my Golden Bachelor ladies!” she captioned the post.
Top Candidates for the Golden Bachelorette
While Joan Vassos is the leading candidate for “The Golden Bachelorette,” other notable contenders include Leslie Fhima and Faith Martin. Leslie Fhima, 65, a personal fitness trainer from Minneapolis, was the runner-up on “The Golden Bachelor” and expressed heartbreak when Gerry Turner chose Theresa Nist. Faith Martin, 61, a high school teacher from Benton City, Washington, finished in third place and has been praised for her passion for the dating series and survival skills.
Kathy Swarts co-hosted the gold carpet with “The Bachelorette” season 20 star Charity Lawson and interviewed Faith Martin ahead of the Golden Wedding between Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist in Palm Springs, California, on January 4, 2024. These women, like Joan, bring unique stories and experiences, making them all compelling choices for the show.
The Future of the Golden Bachelorette
With the arrival of “The Golden Bachelorette,” ABC is expanding its popular senior dating franchise. The show’s success has already sparked interest in additional spinoffs, such as a potential season of “Golden Bachelor in Paradise,” where former contestants are brought together in a tropical setting to continue their search for love.
The Show’s Premiere and Audience Reception
“Golden Bachelor” marked the most successful edition of “The Bachelor” franchise on Hulu, with over 43.4 million viewers tuning in at some point, according to Disney TV Group chief Craig Erwich. The upcoming “Golden Bachelorette” is expected to continue this trend, attracting both longtime fans and new viewers. The show is set to premiere this fall and will be promoted during ABC’s September 15 Emmy Awards.
Conclusion
Joan Vassos, the new Golden Bachelorette, brings a wealth of life experiences, resilience, and a genuine quest for love to her role. Her journey, from her time on “The Golden Bachelor” to becoming the first Golden Bachelorette, is a testament to her strength and unwavering dedication to her family and herself. As Joan embarks on this new chapter, viewers can look forward to an inspiring and heartfelt season that celebrates love, family, and the enduring human spirit.
Tune in this fall to follow Joan Vassos’ journey as the Golden Bachelorette and see how she navigates the path to finding meaningful and lasting love. Her story promises to resonate with many and inspire viewers to embrace the possibilities of love at any stage of life.
