The Golden Bachelor season 1 ended with Theresa Nist winning Gerry Turner's heart and his final rose, but the couple recently announced their divorce. Theresa had a lot of stiff competition. There were 22 single women, and 72-year-old Gerry hit it off with several of them. The retired restaurateur gave his final rose to fellow widower Theresa. He got down on one knee and proposed. Theresa accepted his proposal, and the two wasted no time planning their dream wedding.
Gerry and Theresa's Golden Bachelor wedding took place just a few weeks later, despite the revelation that Gerry had been in a serious relationship and allegedly lied about it to producers. The wedding aired on NBC on January 4. The highly anticipated television event was attended by Bachelor Nation stars, including many of the women Gerry had rejected. Gerry and Theresa represented the hope of finding love later in life, so there were a lot of people rooting for them to succeed. Sadly, Gerry and Theresa announced their split in April, and Theresa had to move on with her life.
Theresa Is Spending Time With Family
She's Single, But She's Not Alone
Since the breakup, Theresa appears to be doing well and is spending more time with her family. Theresa recently posted Instagram photos of a fun family trip to a charming little beach town. In the photos, Theresa poses with her grandchildren in front of a wall of plants. Her caption reads, "Greetings from Long Branch, NJ!" She explains that this was the beach her father brought her to as a child. For Theresa, spending time with family was a healthy way to heal from her failed marriage.
Though Gerry and Theresa fell in love on The Golden Bachelor, they couldn't figure out how to blend their lives. Gerry lived in his lakeside Indiana dream home that he built with his late wife, Toni, while Theresa was in New Jersey, where she had lived with her late husband. Both lived near their children and grandchildren, and Theresa had the added complication of her work to consider.
Though Gerry and Theresa tried to see each other regularly, it turned into a long-distance relationship that ultimately ended.
This problem wasn't a shock as many people in their 60s and 70s have generally lived full lives and have put down roots. This will likely be a challenge The Golden Bachelorette's Joan Vassos will have to face during her upcoming season. It's hard to imagine anyone uprooting their entire world to be with someone they dated for a few weeks on a reality show.
Theresa Has Been Gardening
Keeping Herself Busy
Theresa appears to be in excellent spirits since the divorce and has been keeping busy. In addition to spending more time with her family, The Golden Bachelor star has been getting her hands dirty, working in the garden. New Jersey is known as The Garden State, and Theresa has always enjoyed working in the garden. In April, Theresa posted a carousel of photos of her garden to Instagram. She was clearly blessed with an intensely green thumb, as her garden is beautiful. In one of the photos, she's gardening with her adorable grandson.
The caption reads, in part, " Gardening has been a constant source of joy in my life. It feeds my body, mind and soul. "
Theresa's Journey On The Golden Bachelor
A Whirlwind Romance
Gerry and Theresa's whirlwind romance played out for the world to see during The Golden Bachelor season 1. In July 2023, ABC announced Gerry would be the lead of The Golden Bachelor. The names of the 22 women chosen to vie for Gerry's heart were made public soon after, in August 2023. Among them was Theresa, a financier and stockbroker whose husband had passed away several years ago, and realized she was ready for love again.
From the moment Theresa stepped out of the limousine on night one and pretended to be naked under her coat, Gerry was charmed by her. Theresa wasn't naked under her coat, but the cute moment was memorable and made her stand out. Theresa was looking for a partner who could be her best friend during the next chapter of her life, and Gerry wanted a partner who was high-energy and lived an active lifestyle. They hit it off right away, and Theresa was one of the front-runners throughout the season despite running into drama with some of the other contestants.
Gerry whittled down his options to Theresa and 65-year-old fitness instructor Leslie Fhima but chose Theresa.
Would Theresa Ever Consider Being The Golden Bachelorette?
Let's Hope So
Gerry and Theresa's decision to divorce affected other people, too. Gerry and Theresa spent time with each other's families and cared deeply for each other's children and grandchildren. As recently as March, Gerry posted Instagram family photos of the couple hanging out at Gerry's granddaughter's volleyball game. Gerry's caption read, "What better way to spend a Saturday than watching your granddaughter play volleyball with Theresa and all the family."
One month after this post, which has 13.7k likes, The Golden Bachelor couple announced their divorce.
Though Theresa seems to be dealing with the divorce gracefully, it's hard to imagine she would put herself or her family through another Bachelor experience. That being said, she doesn't seem to harbor bad feelings towards Gerry, nor is there any indication to suggest she regrets being a part of the cast of The Golden Bachelor. Hopefully, Theresa will continue to be a part of Bachelor Nation, whether it be as The Golden Bachelorette or as a participant if there's ever a Golden Bachelor In Paradise.
