The golden bachelorette feels comfortable in a place like this.
Just two weeks ago, viewers watched Jenn Tranfirst asian american star Single girlbreak her heart in a devastating way. After being forced to witness her disastrous proposal live along with the final rose recipient Devin StraderThings only got harder. Tran’s ex later shared, then deleted, an Instagram photo after the show that read hundreds of personal text messages believed to be theirs. This week, news broke that in 2017, Strader had arrested for allegedly breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s house, and that his ex had a restraining order against him—impacting the series days before the new show was set to premiere.
Suffice it to say, the first episode of Golden Bachelorette—a deluxe version of the hit dating series starring the 61-year-old actor Joan Vassos—must be a great palette cleanser.
Bachelor Nation first met Vassos, a school administrator from Maryland, on the first season of Golden Bachelor. After connecting early with a 72-year-old widower Gerry TurnerVassos decided to cut her trip short after learning that her daughter, who had given birth just before filming began, was suffering. She later confirmed that both her daughter and grandchild were now healthy, and was ultimately chosen by ABC to meet with two dozen of her own eligible suitors—ages 57 to 69—for a second chance at romance.
ONE Golden Bachelor Spinoff is inevitable. Turner’s own happy forever with Theresa Nist earn launched with great ratings Bachelor franchise and have created a sponsored and televised wedding for early 2024—although the golden couple divorced just three months later. “I feel like it puts a little pressure on the program,” Vassos said. New York Times on Turner and Wist’s hastened wedding. “It didn’t have to have a grand ending, but it had to be true to the process of finding true love.”
Like Turner, Vassos’s return to the dating world began with a reminiscence about her first marriage—to her husband John, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2021. “The most amazing 33 years ever,” she said of their marriage, which resulted in four children and three grandchildren. As she laid flowers on her husband’s grave, Vassos said, “Honestly, I felt invisible after he passed,” adding, “I had all these plans with John. And then my future was with him.” She admitted, “I don’t know if you can have two great relationships in one lifetime—but I’m hoping.”
Each of the 24 men vying for Vasso’s weary heart has their own story—sharing their tales of death, divorce, illness, and deployment in candid terms. Dad jokes appear early and often: GreggA 64-year-old man from Florida, who presented Vassos with a sand dollar, joked, “I work for sand dollars—that’s my euphemism for saying I’m retired.” 66 Bob brought along a Clark Griswold-like video camera to film him getting into the limousine as a home movie for his children. KenThe 60-year-old Boston native called Vaassos “amazing,” while the 69-year-old retired Navy captain Needle said she seemed like “a great girl.” Other men seemed skeptical about the fashion of the times: RJ66, referenced the famous article “I am looking for a man in finance” TikTok Trendswhile another used the term “vibe.”
Kelsey AndersonWho engaged our most recent arrival Bachelor Joey GraziadeiIntroducing Vassos to a contestant: her 57-year-old father TickWho knew he would become famous after appearing regularly? Bachelor. “When the show aired, Kelsey said, ‘Dad, they are making thirst traps!” he said. “At first, I thought, ‘What is a thirst trap?’” But Mark faced stiff competition from the Charleses, both 66: Charles K. pull a Willy Wonka by pretending to use a stick before throwing it away and doing push-ups, while speaking softly Mr. Charles L. (who said he “would love to see Britney Spears do a day” in Single Bride biography) declared that with him, “Joan, you will be in charge forever.” And then there was Gary, 65, who entered the mansion dancing—perhaps in homage his godmother, Tina Turner. (That’s right, Tina Turner.)
But the contestant with the most airtime is definitely a 68-year-old. Jacka Chicago caterer who boasts in his biography that he sat front row at Elvis Presley’s final concert. Jack paid tribute to another crooner as he stepped out of his limousine, singing Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” before entering the mansion by asking, “Did anybody say bourbon?” Later in the episode, he referred to the men’s quarters as a “hippie lair” and eventually decided to make some sirloin medallions for the Vassos. “Joan, do me a favor,” the other suitor said. insert60. “Keep Jack in the game, because I’m a big, hungry guy.”
Vassos finally gives his first impression to the 62-year-old “Girl’s Father” Keithwho went on a scooter and said he dreamed of taking the Golden Bachelorette to the beach for wine and cheese. Like people dating of a certain age on Golden BachelorThe men were undaunted by any competition. While waiting for their turn with Vassos, they exchanged notes about what their nephews called them—and after one contestant started a game of pickleball with Vassos, they all picked up their rackets for a group game. “There were balls flying everywhere!” she said with a laugh.
