Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist Respond to Questions on Their Decision After 3 Months

Golden Bachelor s Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist Explain Their Divorce in Nightline Tell All 726

Gerry Turner, Theresa Nist. ABC/Brian Bowen Smith ; ABC/Ricky Middlesworth

ABC is sharing additional footage from the breakup interview of Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist. The announcement of their separation was made on Good Morning America on Friday, April 12. Juju Chang hinted at more insights to be revealed from her conversation with the couple on Nightline.

Chang asked Gerry, 72, and Theresa, 70, in a more extended interview what they thought about the idea that "love will find a way" for those who believe in nerdy love like him. He questioned how one could give up after only three months.

Theresa responded by saying, "I believe that perhaps it has to do with our age and the responsibilities we have. We have homes, children, and grandchildren. While I'm not ruling out the possibility that love can overcome these obstacles, they definitely played a significant role."

Chang later inquired about the possibility of a "commuter marriage" for the couple. Theresa mentioned their age as a factor once more.

"We wanted to be together right away because we're older," she explained. "When you're young, you have the time to have a commuter marriage."

Gerry added, “We didn’t see it as an option.”

The pair said that they started talking about a divorce “about three weeks ago.”

Gerry shared, "We had some really good conversations, probably the most honest conversations we’d had. It was like the lightbulb went off that we were of the same mind."

Theresa added, "There wasn’t any fighting. It was a very gentle conversation."

The Golden Bachelor couple fell in love during the inaugural season of the Bachelor spinoff. Theresa accepted a proposal from Gerry during the show’s finale in September 2023.

The duo mentioned that they sought the help of a couples counselor to assist them in making their decision. Gerry mentioned, "I believe it was incredibly helpful."

The pair then tied the knot in a televised wedding in January but had not officially moved in together following their nuptials.

Golden Bachelor s Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist Explain Their Divorce in Nightline Tell All 727

Disney/James Clark

Earlier this month, TMZ reported that Gerry had been living at his lake house in Indiana, while Theresa was still at home in her native New Jersey.

We found out on April 1 that Gerry and Theresa were not planning to change where they lived. According to a source, Theresa's job as a senior compliance officer was keeping her in New Jersey. They were making frequent visits to each other while managing their long-distance relationship.

The distance ended up being a factor in their breakup. During their appearance on GMA, Gerry shared with the audience that he and Theresa had many heartfelt conversations. They carefully examined their living arrangements and together decided that it was time to end their marriage.

Their dedication to their families, with both Gerry and Theresa having two children and several grandchildren, was more important to them than their love for each other.

Gerry expressed, "We believe it's better for both of us to live separately for our own happiness. I still have deep feelings for this person and I support her every day."

It was confirmed by Us on Friday that Gerry initiated the divorce process in Petersburg, Indiana, stating "irretrievable breakdown" as the cause for the end of their marriage.

Gerry and Theresa have a prenuptial agreement that they intend to follow. They will also abide by the terms of the Golden Bachelor contract by returning their Neil Lane wedding and engagement rings.

Both Gerry and Theresa have been married before. Gerry was married to his high school sweetheart, Toni, for 43 years until she passed away in 2017.

Theresa was also married to her high school sweetheart, Billy, for 43 years ahead of his death in 2014.

Editor's P/S:

The breakup of Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist, the couple who found love on the reality show "Golden Bachelor," is a poignant reminder that love alone cannot