Gerry Turner is the first ever lead of The Golden Bachelor, the latest spin-off of The Bachelor that’s will premiere on ABC on September 28. In 27 seasons, 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).
So, with these odds that feel more discouraging than motivating, ABC decided to switch things up this year with the brand new spinoff called The Golden Bachelor. For the first time, Bachelor nation viewers will watch 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.
On July 15, the new show’s lead was revealed to be 71-year-old Turner. 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. The Golden Bachelor will premiere on ABC on September 28.
Who is Gerry Turner, The Golden Bachelor?
How old is Gerry Turner, The Golden Bachelor?
Gerry is aged 71. 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.”
Was Gerry Turner married?
Gerry is a widower. As revealed on Good Morning America, Gerry married his high school sweetheart Toni back in 1974. The two were together for 43 years, per Variety. In 2017, however, Toni got sick and passed away shortly after beginning her retirement.
“So we went to the emergency room and she had a bacterial infection that infected her kidneys and infected her liver,” he revealed in a trailer for the dating show. So I took my wife to the emergency room on July 7th. She passed away on July 15th. No one’s ever going to replace Toni, but the love of my daughters and my granddaughters pulled me out of a dark spot.”
Does ‘The Golden Bachelor’ have any kids?
Gerry and his late wife shared two daughters together, Angie and Jenny. In addition to his two daughters, Turner is also a happy grandfather to his two granddaughters, Charlee and Payton.
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 Bachelor host Jesse Palmer revealed the news, his granddaughter said “one of those 25 ladies will be super lucky.” We couldn’t agree more!
What did Gerry Turner from ‘The Golden Bachelor’ do for a living?
Gerry is a retired restauranteur. However, now it looks like Gerry is coming out of retirement to embark on a new venture as a reality TV star. The Bachelor has made a star out of many previous contestants and Gerry could be next!
What is ‘The Golden Bachelor’ looking for in love?
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.”
Talking to GMA, Gerry 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].”
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