In 27 seasons of The Bachelor, the show’s leads haven’t had the best track record of finding “The One.” Despite the many hopeful contenders and undeniable connections over the years, only four leading men are still with the women they met on the show (considering that two–Arie Luyendyk and Jason Mesnick– ended up with their runners-up).
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So, with these odds that feel more discouraging than motivating, ABC decided to switch things up this year with the brand new spinoff show called The Golden Bachelor. On the show, singles in their 60s and 70s will get a chance of finding their match. “After more than 20 years of fostering young love on The Bachelor, The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise, The Golden Bachelor showcases a whole new kind of love story – one for the golden years,” ABC says in their show description.
And, on July 17, the new show’s lead, 71-year-old retired restauranteur Gerry Turner, was announced. In an exclusive announcement from Good Morning America, the world got to know Turner, and why he’s ready to find love on the small screen. “It’s never too late to fall in love again,” the Indiana native said. As for how he’s feeling about the announcement, Turner seemed to be as happy as can be. “It feels amazing, and it’s still sinking in,” he added.
Gerry Is A 71-Year-Old Indiana-Based Single Dad
Image Credit: ABC/Brian Bowen Smith According to his official synopsis, Gerry “lives in his dream house on a beautiful lake in Indiana. He’s often busy hosting barbecues, playing pickleball, cheering on his favorite Chicago sports teams, four-wheeling, and spending time with friends and family at restaurants and local haunts.” As revealed in Good Morning America, Gerry married his high school sweetheart Toni back in 1974. The two were together for 43 years and shared two daughters together, Angie and Jenny, per Variety.
Gerry Is a Widower
Image Credit: ABC/Brian Bowen Smith In 2017, however, Toni got sick and passed away shortly after beginning her retirement.
Talking to GMA, Turner talked about moving on as a widower. “I have [Toni’s] picture on a dresser in my closet. For a while, it was like I was having a hard time figuring out if she would be OK [with me moving on],” he said. “But we always told each other, when one of us goes we’d want the other one to be happy. She’s up there rooting [for me].”
He’s Also a Grandad
Image Credit: ABC/Brian Bowen Smith In addition to his two daughters, Turner is also a happy grandfather to his two granddaughters, Charlee and Payton.
His Family Is So Supportive
Image Credit: ABC/Brian Bowen Smith In addition to motivating him to sign up for the show in the first place, Turner’s daughters and granddaughters were right beside him when he got the news he was selected. “They started screaming, and everybody gathered around,” Turner remembered. In a video of the moment, his granddaughter said “one of those 25 ladies will be super lucky.” We couldn’t agree more!
He Knows What He’s Looking For
Image Credit: ABC/Brian Bowen Smith Although we’re sure Turner’s many contenders will all vary, it looks like Turner’ pretty clear on what he’s looking for. “I’d love it if I found a partner who was high-energy,” he told GMA. “Somebody that maybe plays pickleball, somebody that maybe plays golf.”
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