The Heartwarming Remembrances of 'The Golden Bachelor' Gerry Turner on His Beloved Late Wife Toni
'The Golden Bachelor' star Gerry Turner's touching tribute to his late wife Toni, their enduring 43-year marriage, and his emotional journey towards healing and new beginnings after her passing in 2017
Gerry Turner, a 72-year-old gentleman, is paying tribute to his late wife, Toni Turner, while seeking a new love interest on The Golden Bachelor.
Having been married to his beloved partner for more than four decades, the couple fulfilled their dream of owning a lake house in 2017. However, tragedy struck when Toni fell and Gerry rushed her to the hospital. Revealing this heartbreaking event in an August 2023 teaser for The Golden Bachelor, Gerry explained, "Toni contracted a bacterial infection that affected her kidneys and liver. On July 7, I rushed her to the emergency room, and sadly, she passed away on July 15."
He continued, "Toni can never be replaced, but the affection of my daughters and granddaughters helped me overcome a difficult time." Together, they have two daughters, Jenny and Angie, as well as two granddaughters, Charlee and Payton.
After six years, Gerry is now prepared to seek a similar love with someone else. "That's my desire," he expressed in the preview. "I believe that person exists out there."
Scroll below to see Gerry’s most heartfelt quotes about Toni:
The Golden Bachelor airs on ABC Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET.
Credit: ABC/Brian Bowen Smith
'The Golden Bachelor' Star Gerry Turner's Heartfelt Quotes About His Late Wife Toni
Gerry Turner is honoring his late wife, Toni Turner, as he looks for new love on The Golden Bachelor.
After being married to his partner for more than 40 years, the 72-year-old gentleman fulfilled his dream of owning a lake house in 2017. Unfortunately, the couple's happiness was short-lived when Toni fell and had to be rushed to the hospital by her husband, Gerry. In an interview for the August 2023 Golden Bachelor teaser, he revealed that Toni had contracted a bacterial infection that affected her kidneys and liver. Tragically, Gerry had to bring his beloved wife to the emergency room on July 7, and she passed away on July 15.
Despite the immense grief and loss, Gerry found solace in the love and support of his daughters, Jenny and Angie, and his granddaughters, Charlee and Payton. Toni will always hold a special place in his heart, but the unwavering love from his family helped him navigate through the darkest moments.
Find Gerry, six years later, seeking to rediscover that profound love with someone fresh. "That's my desire," he expressed in the preview, with firm conviction that this soul is waiting to be found.
Keep scrolling to unveil Gerry's most poignant remarks concerning Toni.
The Golden Bachelor airs on ABC Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET.
Credit: ABC/Brian Bowen Smith
Stamp of Approval
On a July episode of the “Bachelor Happy Hour” podcast, Gerry expressed his belief that Toni would be delighted with his role as the inaugural Golden Bachelor. He acknowledged his past challenges in relationships and dating, and feels that Toni would give her approval for this endeavor. Gerry sees it as a positive and energetic way of communicating and establishing connections with numerous individuals, while remaining confident in finding that one special person.
Credit: ABC/John Fleenor
His Biggest Supporter
Gerry expressed his initial concern about being disloyal or unfaithful to Toni at the start of his Golden Bachelor journey. However, he gradually realized that Toni would have been a supportive and encouraging partner. In an interview with Variety in August, Gerry shared that they had discussed the importance of wanting each other to find happiness in case one of them passed away. They had even established their financial arrangements in accordance with this understanding. Gerry also mentioned that he keeps a picture of Toni in his closet and occasionally seeks advice from it. Every morning, he takes a moment to reflect and have a conversation with the picture, seeking guidance for his thoughts.
Credit: ABC/Brian Bowen Smith
Happy Family
"I tied the knot with Toni, my high school sweetheart, back in 1972. We were blessed with 43 incredible years together," shared Gerry as he previewed The Golden Bachelor in August. "Our journey was adorned with the arrival of two daughters, and now, I am delighted to have two exceptional granddaughters. Our life may have been ordinary, but it was filled with boundless love and cherished moments."
Credit: ABC/Brian Bowen Smith
A New Beginning
Gerry expressed his mixed emotions towards everything, questioning whether he was prepared to start dating again or if he would ever experience happiness in life once more. During an appearance on The View in September, he revealed, "But as time went on and I gradually navigated through the healing process, I became increasingly enthusiastic about what she had envisioned for my future, as we had discussed those matters before her passing. Our mutual desire was for each other to find happiness in life."
Gerry added: “She would approve of this, in her loud, boisterous kind of way.”
Credit: ABC/Craig Sjodin
Gerry’s Healing Journey
Gerry admitted in a September interview with USA Today that discussing [Toni] without becoming overwhelmed was a lengthy and challenging journey. However, he expressed finding solace in the fact that she would wholeheartedly support his endeavors.
Credit: ABC/John Fleenor
Overcoming Grief
Gerry and contestant Theresa Nist formed a strong connection on their individual date in episode 2, as they both shared the heartbreaking experience of losing a spouse. Gerry expressed his empathy, mentioning how losing a spouse is the most devastating thing one can go through, adding that he understands the emotions involved. Similarly, Theresa acknowledged during the date that neither of them had anticipated losing their partners, as they had envisaged a future of growing old together with their spouses.
Credit: ABC/Ben Hider
Happy Memories
During episode 2, Gerry provided solace to contestant Nancy Hulkower, who had recently lost her spouse, by reminiscing about Toni. Nancy became overwhelmed with emotions when she had to wear a wedding dress for the group date photo shoot.
"I was strolling two years back - well, it was precisely a year ago, one year ago. As I walked past this bakery, the delightful scent of cinnamon wafted through the air," he recounted. "My wife used to prepare cinnamon balls during Christmas. And in that moment, when the aroma of cinnamon reached me, it affected me just as deeply as your wedding dress affected you."
Gerry's tale about Toni provided Nancy with some solace. "Even though I was saddened earlier, I still felt a sense of optimism," she expressed to Gerry. "So, there's happiness in reminiscing, but at the same time, I still hold onto hope for the future, and I believe that's truly important."
