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ABC introduced The Golden Bachelor in the fall of 2023, marking their first Bachelor franchise series focused on senior citizens finding love. Widower Gerry Turner, 72, from Indiana, started with 22 women aged 60-75 competing for his affection.
By the finale in November 2023, Turner narrowed his choice to Theresa Nist, 70, a financial services professional from New Jersey, and Leslie Fhima, 64, a fitness instructor from Minneapolis. Turner selected Theresa Nist to receive his last rose and proposed to her during an emotional ceremony. The two later celebrated their union in a televised wedding in January 2024.
The Golden Bachelor couple's marriage lasted three months before ending in April 2024. Nist later shared on Ben Higgins and Ashley Iaconetti's Almost Famous podcast in November 2024 that their relationship faced challenges that weren't visible during filming.
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The Golden Bachelor finale saw Gerry Turner propose to Theresa Nist
Family meetings
The Golden Bachelor lead, Turner's daughters, Jenny and Angie, along with granddaughters Peyton and Charlie, arrived in Costa Rica to meet both women. Theresa arrived first, wearing shorts and bringing flowers for the family. During her visit, she shared details about losing her husband, Billy, after 42 years of marriage.
The conversation turned serious when Jenny and Angie spoke privately with Theresa. When asked about what she loved about Gerry, Theresa described him as warm-hearted and principled. She recalled their first night together when he asked her to help clean frosting off his lips, a story that impressed the daughters.
Leslie Fhima's meeting with the family in The Golden Bachelor finale started with light moments as she shared stories about Gerry showing his casual side during their overnight date.
However, when Jenny and Angie asked Leslie about accepting a potential proposal, her indirect response raised concerns. Instead of giving a clear answer, Leslie talked about never experiencing deep love before, making Jenny worried about her certainty regarding marriage.
Final dates
The last-chance dates in The Golden Bachelor brought contrasting moments. Theresa's date began with champagne and laughter when Turner admitted to unknowingly serving her vodka-mixed orange juice during the family visit.
Gerry showed visible distress during Leslie's final date. When Leslie presented him with a scrapbook filled with their show memories, including their hometown date photos and one-on-one date card, Turner struggled to maintain composure.
Final choice
Turner decided to end things with Leslie before the final rose ceremony of The Golden Bachelor. Returning to her hotel room, he initiated what became an emotional confrontation. Realizing the outcome, Leslie challenged Turner about his words from their overnight date.
"Everything you told me the other night was a complete lie," she said through tears.
Turner approached his decision at the proposal platform after a morning prayer, asking his late wife, Toni, for guidance. Theresa arrived wearing a light pink sparkly dress. During the proposal, Turner created suspense by saying, "You're not the right person for me to live with," before completing his thought with, "You're the person I can't live without."
Turner then got down on one knee, telling Theresa he loved her "one thousand percent" and chose her every day.
After she accepted and received the ring, Turner presented her with the golden rose, explaining it would never wilt, symbolizing their lasting love. The moment concluded with his daughters and granddaughters joining them for celebration and congratulations.
Post-show developments
Nist revealed additional details about their relationship breakdown on Ben Higgins and Ashley Iaconetti's Almost Famous podcast. She explained that their original plan to move near Charleston, South Carolina, had never materialized despite looking at homes virtually. Turner suggested splitting time between locations with "six weeks there and six weeks here," differing from their initial agreement for a shared home.
A disagreement emerged during Nist's visit to Indiana when she commented about building townhomes on open land, prompting Turner's strong defense of farmland protection. Nist maintained she wanted their families to have one main gathering place, while Turner preferred keeping his existing home.
The Golden Bachelor couple's divorce announcement cited geographical challenges and family commitments as primary factors. However, Theresa Nist later confirmed it wasn't "just the location thing" that led to their split.
Fans can watch The Golden Bachelor season 1 online on the ABC network.
