Theresa Nist, the winner of the OG Golden Bachelor, reflects on her brief yet impactful relationship with lead Gerry Turner over a year after their marriage ended. At 71, Theresa describes the experience as a “whirlwind,” marked by overwhelming excitement and emotional highs that ultimately led to a period of introspection following their split. She acknowledges the thrill that comes with reality television and the rush of emotions that can cloud judgment. Despite the culmination of their journey in marriage, she emphasizes the need to return to reality and self-discovery after the show concluded.
The Bachelor franchise, which gained considerable traction with Gerry as its first senior star, showcased their romance, leading to an on-screen proposal and wedding ceremony. While discussing the circumstances surrounding their marriage, Theresa admits that there was immense pressure to make quick decisions. Although she acknowledges that they should have waited to marry, her feelings at the time were genuine, reinforced by the support of their children. She asserts that they were all invested, believing wholeheartedly that their relationship would endure.
Public speculation around their separation initially suggested it was due to distance, as Theresa remained in New Jersey while Gerry stayed in Indiana. However, she clarifies that this was not the case, attributing their issues to the complexities of their respective lives rather than their physical locations. Notably, Theresa emphasizes that Gerry’s health struggles, subsequently diagnosed as Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, were not a contributing factor to their divorce, countering Gerry’s belief that illness played a significant role.
Theresa reflects on the nature of their relationship, pointing out that the limited time they spent together, heavily edited for television, made it challenging to truly know one another beyond the show’s format. Despite being approached about participating in future spin-offs of the franchise, she currently prefers to keep her love life private. Instead, she has focused on the lessons learned from her public experience, particularly the risks involved in quickly entering a high-profile relationship under scrutiny.
Recently, Gerry announced a new romantic relationship, prompting Theresa to express genuine happiness for him. Their conversation about his new girlfriend, Lana Sutton, was guided by mutual respect and a desire for each other’s happiness, showcasing a mature response to their circumstances. Joan Vassos, the Golden Bachelorette, encouraged Gerry to inform Theresa about his new relationship directly to avoid hurtful surprises through social media, emphasizing the importance of communication amid their transition.
In the end, Theresa reflects positively on her experience, highlighting personal growth and the friendships she formed during filming. She mentions a deepened bond with fellow participants like Leslie Fhima, which provided a sense of community throughout their shared journeys. While there will be future opportunities within the franchise, including a new lead, Theresa understands the value of resilience and self-awareness that came from her time on the show, ultimately serving her well in navigating relationships moving forward.
