Joan Vassos, a standout contestant from “The Golden Bachelor,” is gearing up for another shot at love on reality TV. After stepping away from Gerry Turner’s season to support her daughter, who had just given birth, Joan is now preparing to embark on her own journey as the lead of “The Golden Bachelorette.”
In a heartfelt Instagram video shared on June 12, Joan opened up about her mixed emotions as she packed for her new adventure. Surrounded by partially filled suitcases, she expressed her excitement and nervousness about the upcoming journey. “I’m packing and it’s a disaster here ’cause I have no idea what to bring ’cause I don’t know what any of the dates are,” she said, with her baby grandson Maverick by her side, learning to crawl.
Joan’s decision to leave “The Golden Bachelor” was driven by her commitment to her family. Despite being a frontrunner in Gerry Turner’s heart, she chose to prioritize her daughter and newborn grandchild. “A huge thank you to everyone expressing their concern for my family,” Joan wrote on her Instagram Stories. “It’s a privilege to be a mom to four amazing kids and a grandmother to two beautiful grandchildren. But once a mom, always a mom and sometimes the timing doesn’t work out with finding love.”
However, Joan is not giving up on her quest for love. “Everyone at home is doing great,” she shared, “and I hope one day I will get the chance at love again.” Now, she is ready to take center stage on “The Golden Bachelorette” and meet her suitors in California.
Joan’s journey on “The Golden Bachelor” was marked by a special connection with Gerry Turner. During a one-on-one dinner, they bonded over the losses of their spouses and shared heartfelt conversations. Despite receiving a rose from Gerry, Joan knew she had to return home after receiving a text from her daughter. “There’s a moral compass that we both share,” Gerry told her, expressing his disappointment over her departure. “And sometimes the right thing to do is the hardest.”
As Joan prepares for her new adventure, she is bringing a variety of clothes and shoes to be ready for any scenario. “I’m a little embarrassed but look, I have an entire suitcase full of shoes,” she admitted. “I have no idea what the weather is like in California at this time of year, so I’m bringing a huge variety of clothes. I’m going to admit to you that I actually have three full suitcases, which is ridiculous.”
Despite her reluctance to be away from her family in Maryland for nearly two months, Joan is comforted by the fact that they will join her for a few days to shoot some promos. “I’m so proud of them,” she gushed, “and it gives me a couple more days with them.”
In the caption of her post, Joan expressed her feelings about her upcoming new adventure. “Excited, nervous, and overpacked… but, mostly ready to get this golden journey started,” she wrote. “Feeling all the feels as I pack up to start my next chapter at the Bachelor Mansion.”
Joan continued, “I’ve never been this vulnerable and grateful at the same time, I’m thankful to have the most supportive friends, family, and viewers a golden girl could ask for. I’m not sure what this journey holds, but if it’s anything like my suitcase, it’s sure to be FULL of surprises! Here I go…”
ABC announced Joan as the lead of “The Golden Bachelorette” in May, more than five months after the finale of the debut season of “The Golden Bachelor.” While she was a frontrunner on the series, she ultimately walked away from the show to be with her daughter who had recently given birth.
“Things go wrong, and even if everything went right, you need your mom,” Joan said in a confessional. “My family will always be first.”
Now, Joan is ready to embrace her new role and find love once again. “The Golden Bachelorette” premieres this fall and will air Wednesdays on ABC. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see Joan’s journey unfold and whether she will find the love she has been searching for.
