The Golden Bachelorette: Joan Vassos Values Family More Than Romance (She'll Help The Franchise Recover From Gerry Turner)

Joan Vassos is making history as the first The Golden Bachelorette, and she faces intense pressure to find lasting romance. The Bachelor franchise has suffered after fallout from several recent failed relationships. The Golden Bachelor's Gerry Turner was slammed after he called off his marriage to Theresa Nist just months after their wedding. More recently, The Bachelorette season 21 star Jenn Tran and Devin Strader broke up immediately after their engagement.

Did Gerry Turner Cause Joan Vassos To Doubt Her Choices?

Following the frenzy surrounding Gerry’s divorce, Joan bears the huge responsibility of salvaging the spin-off. Joan, 61, is a school administrator from Maryland and a mother of four. Her television journey has included several unusual choices that highlight how much she values the needs of her family. Joan’s ability to draw boundaries will likely boost the success of her search for love.

Joan Left The Golden Bachelor Due To A Family Emergency

She Gave Up On Love To Help Her Daughter

Joan Vassos Gerry Turner The Golden Bachelor talking outside in formalwear

Joan made a short-lived appearance competing for Gerry’s affection on The Golden Bachelor season 1. Unfortunately, Joan made the difficult decision to leave in the third week. Her daughter was suffering from postpartum depression, and Joan knew she was needed at home.

Joan’s choice to put her daughter’s needs ahead of her own proves how dedicated she is to her family. Joan was married to her late husband for 32 years before his death from cancer, a tragedy that undoubtedly strengthened Joan’s bond with her children. Joan was heartbroken over the loss of her husband, but she found the resilience to move forward in hopes of filling the void in her family.

Joan Modified The Fantasy Suites Tradition To Respect Her Children’s Wishes

Joan Wasn’t Willing To Compromise Her Values

Joan revealed on Live With Kelly And Mark that her children had some concerns about her participation in The Golden Bachelorette. They were uncomfortable with Joan kissing men on television, which Joan admitted was unavoidable. However, when Joan’s children were “terrified” about fantasy suites, Joan respected their wishes.

Joan didn’t want to have “ a physical relationship with more than one person .” Instead, she modified the practice, saying she did it “ my way. ”

Joan told hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos that she didn’t participate in fantasy suites in the traditional sense. Joan didn’t want to have “a physical relationship with more than one person.” Instead, she modified the practice, saying she did it “my way.” Joan did feel it was important to have conversations with her suitors off-camera, so she used fantasy suites to build intimacy “in a different way.”

Joan’s Integrity Sets Her Up For Success On The Golden Bachelorette

She Is Honest About Her Priorities

Golden Bachelorette' Premiere: Joan Can 'Picture Being with' 1 Man After Night 1

Joan’s willingness to set boundaries bodes well for her success in finding love. Previous Bachelor romances have failed because contestants were unwilling to be honest about their needs. Gerry and Theresa divorced in part because they couldn’t agree on where to live, something that should have been addressed before their marriage. Joan’s upfront honesty about her priorities is refreshing, and it will help weed out incompatible suitors.

The Golden Bachelorette airs on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Joan’s role in The Golden Bachelorette comes at a critical time for the franchise. After scandals and unsuccessful pairings, the show needs to be revitalized in a way that allows contestants to tailor the experience to best benefit their unique situations. Joan is open about her desire to put her family first, and this will allow her to find a partner who shares the same priorities.