The hit franchise, The Golden Bachelor has been renewed for another season, with the first ever Golden Bachelorette, 61-year-old Joan Vassos.
Vassos previously appeared as a contestant on Gerry Turner’s season of The Golden Bachelor, eliminating herself mid-show to attend to a family emergency, revealing her selfless nature, one of her many beloved traits.
The first episode premiered Sept. 18 at 8:00 p.m., and opened to a beautiful beach view, then panned directly to Vassos’s golden Jimmy Choo heels. Vassos prepared for her first night in the extravagant Bachelor mansion in a dazzling, sparkly gold dress with a giant bow tied behind her neck, ready to start her journey and to take her second chance at love.
Vassos was married to her husband, John, for 32 years before facing the tragedy of his passing due to pancreatic cancer. While she acknowledged that she will always love her husband, she said, “I have a big heart and there is room for somebody else.”
Multiple contestants share this unfortunate situation as widows and single parents. The Golden Bachelorette is unique in that it differs from the light-hearted nature of the traditional Bachelor franchise. Wanting to emphasize the importance of a life after loss, the premiere included the somber, serious moments along with the romance. Some viewers were left wiping away tears after hearing the multitude of different stories behind the lives of each contestant, including loss, divorce and more. Many resonate with this aspect of the show.
Susan Schlisserman, a 61-year-old Fanwood resident, said, “When you get older and haven’t found your person for the rest [of your life] for whatever reason, you’re not alone and this show validates that for so many people.”
On a lighter note, the men this season went all out with clever and unforgettable first impressions. From singing, to unique rides to the mansion and more, there weren’t many dull moments when they were all meeting their potential wife.
Viewers have already found themselves “falling in love” with Vassos’s kind hearted nature and openness to adventure. By putting herself on national television in such a vulnerable way, Vassos serves as a role model to the older generation, and shows that there is life beyond youth, and love after loss. With an exceptional cast and an open-mind, it’s evident that she will thrive this season.
Watch The Golden Bachelorette Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. on ABC. As Vassos said, “The sun is coming up and we’re ready to find love,” so get some popcorn ready and tune in.