The Most Emotional Moments from Gerry Turner's 'The Golden Bachelor' Season
Experience the emotional rollercoaster of 'The Golden Bachelor' season as Gerry Turner and his captivating contestants share heart-wrenching moments that will leave you reaching for the tissues From Theresa's inspiring story to Ellen's unexpected love confession, prepare for a tear-filled journey you won't soon forget
The Golden Bachelor's inaugural season has evoked a wide range of emotions from Bachelor Nation, one of which includes the comforting reassurance that Gerry Turner will finally discover love.
As the show made its debut in September 2023, viewers witnessed Gerry, the protagonist, embark on a quest to find love following the loss of his beloved wife, Toni. To kick things off, he candidly spoke about their remarkable 43-year-long marriage.
Gerry's aspirations of living in their lake house were abruptly shattered when Toni fell ill in 2017. Tragically, she succumbed to a bacterial infection not long after. Overwhelmed with emotion, Gerry tearfully expressed, "Whenever I gaze at that lake, I can't help but think, 'This was her dream, her deserving paradise. Why am I left standing here alone?'" Remembering Toni, he shared how it has been six years since her passing, acknowledging that no one can ever replace her. However, the unwavering love from his daughters and granddaughters helped him emerge from a place of immense darkness.
Closing his heartfelt remarks, Gerry expressed a bittersweet longing for a second chance at love. "I am prepared for that next chapter, eagerly hoping that such a person exists," he revealed.
The Golden Bachelor airs on ABC Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET. Keep scrolling to see the most emotional moments from season 1:
Credit: Disney/John Fleenor
Our Top Tear-Worthy Moments From Gerry Turner's 'The Golden Bachelor' Season
The debut season of The Golden Bachelor has invoked a range of emotions among Bachelor Nation, especially in terms of the relief that Gerry Turner will finally discover love. Viewers witnessed Gerry embark on his quest for love following the loss of his late wife, Toni, as the show premiered in September 2023. To kickstart his journey, Gerry candidly shared the story of his 43-year marriage with Toni.
Gerry's dream of living at their lake house was tragically cut short when Toni fell ill and passed away from a bacterial infection in 2017. Whenever he gazes at the lake now, he can't help but feel the weight of their shattered dreams. Standing there alone, Gerry wonders why Toni couldn't be there to enjoy it with him. Despite the pain, he takes solace in the love he receives from his daughters and granddaughters, which has helped him heal and move forward from the darkness.
However, Gerry's story doesn't end there. As he concluded his account, his emotions took a bittersweet turn. He expressed his desire for a second chance at love, revealing that he is ready for it and hoping that there is someone out there who can fulfill this longing in his heart.
The Golden Bachelor airs on ABC Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET. Keep scrolling to see the most emotional moments from season 1:
Credit: Bachelor Nation/YouTube
Theresa Shares Her Story
Theresa and Gerry connected on their shared dreams of finding love. "We've both experienced immense hardship, and yet we've managed to survive and thrive. There is still hope," Gerry declared. "Not only do we have hope for each new day, but we also have hope for finding that special someone who will bring joy and companionship to the rest of our lives."
Credit: Bachelor Nation/YouTube
Nancy’s Wedding Dress Memories
During the group date photo shoot on Episode 2, contestant Nancy Hulkower was overcome with emotions. As she slipped into a wedding dress to pose alongside Gerry, Nancy couldn't hold back her tears, reminding her of her past wedding and her late husband, Mark.
"He's no longer with us. It's been 12 years, but the memories of our wedding day came flooding back," she revealed during her confessional. "That day was truly the happiest day of my life, aside from the joy of having my three children. Even after all these years, it remains the most special day, and I still miss him dearly."
After realizing that Nancy wasn't acting like her usual self, Gerry took Nancy aside to console her. He confided in her that while passing by a bakery after Toni's death, the scent of cinnamon brought back memories of a Christmas treat she used to make. "It affected me in almost the same way the wedding dress affected you," he comforted Nancy.
To further show his kindness, Gerry awarded her the group date rose.
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Joan’s Self-Elimination
Despite finding solace in her intimate conversation with Gerry during the group date in episode 3, contestant Joan Vassos made the difficult choice to leave the competition due to a family emergency.
"I received a text this morning, and I believe I should return home immediately to fulfill my role as a mother," she informed Gerry the day after the group date, clarifying that her recently gave birth daughter needed her assistance. "As much as I wish not to depart and continue our journey together, I must prioritize my responsibilities as a parent and depart to be with my children."
Joan's choice left Gerry feeling distressed, but he also comprehended her perspective. "We both possess a shared moral compass, and sometimes the most challenging path is the right one," he expressed to her.
Credit: ABC/John Fleenor
Sandra’s Family FaceTime
During a conversation with Gerry following the group date centered around pickleball in episode 4, Sandra Mason, one of the contestants, shared the heartbreaking news that she had to forego attending her own daughter's wedding in order to participate in the show. To make up for this unfortunate situation, Gerry later arranged a heartfelt FaceTime session between Sandra and her daughter, allowing them to connect despite being physically apart.
"Sandra was overwhelmed with joy as she expressed her gratitude in the confessional. Her eyes welled up with happy tears as she exclaimed, 'That was incredibly sweet of him. He never fails to surprise me with his thoughtfulness.' She couldn't help but gush about this exceptional man, emphasizing, 'He is truly someone extraordinary.'"
Credit: Disney/John Fleenor
Susan’s Heartfelt Gift
During the cocktail party in episode 4, Gerry pleasantly surprised contestant Susan Noles by presenting her with a beautiful rose quartz gemstone. "This stone symbolizes empathy and strength," he explained. "I see these qualities in you, which remind me so much of Toni. It's the greatest praise I can give someone. Your exceptional virtues truly make you extraordinary."
The gesture brought Susan to tears. “Every time I talk to Gerry, that spark reignites,” she said of their interaction in a confessional.
Credit: Disney/John Fleenor
Ellen’s Love Confession
Ellen Goltzer left both fans and Gerry emotional when she became the first contestant to confess her love. During the afternoon cocktail party at the Bachelor Mansion in episode 4, she uttered the heartfelt words to him, saying, "I'm falling in love with you, Gerry, and it's incredibly difficult."
Gerry, moved by her confession, reminisced in a confessional, saying, "Her words took me back to the last time someone looked at me that way and expressed such feelings. It was my wife of 43 years. Losing Toni felt like the end of the world, and I never thought I would experience it again. Yet, here I am, witnessing and experiencing it once more."
