At 71, First-Ever ‘Golden Bachelor’ Gerry Turner Knows It’s ‘Never Too Late’ To Find Love Again

Jul 21, 2023

The iconic franchise of "The Bachelor" on ABC is embarking on a new romantic journey with the introduction of its latest series, "The Golden Bachelor," which promises to capture hearts and stir emotions among a mature audience.

Breaking away from its traditional formula, the network is set to bring romance to the older generation, with the show catering to contestants aged 65 and above. The series is slated to premiere in the fall of 2023, marking a fresh chapter in the widely popular franchise.

On July 17, 2023, ABC announced its trailblazing decision to cast Gerry Turner, a charismatic 71-year-old gentleman, as the first-ever "Golden Bachelor." His life story, his hopes for love, and the legacy of his first marriage have captivated audiences and fans worldwide.

The journey toward becoming the "Golden Bachelor" has been an emotional one for him. In 2017, he lost his beloved wife, Toni Turner, after sharing 43 years of unwavering love and devotion. The passing of his high school sweetheart, whom he married in 1974, left a profound impact on the widower. 

Reflecting on the untimely loss of his late wife, Gerry told Good Morning America that he still thinks of Toni every day and how she was robbed of living a full life. Despite the heartache, Gerry's daughters, Angie and Jenny, provided the support and encouragement he needed to embark on this unique quest for love. They convinced him to take a leap of faith and seek companionship once again through the ABC dating series. The 71-year-old also strongly believes that his departed wife will be rooting for him as he opens this new and exciting but very public chapter of his life. 

"It's never too late to fall in love again," Gerry proclaimed with a hint of optimism during his debut interview. He also shared an endearing glimpse into his daily ritual, where he looks to a photo of Toni for her imaginary approval and support. 

"Every morning I give her the nod, 'So what do you think about this?' For a while, it was like I was having a hard time figuring out if she would be OK,” the "Golden Bachelor" confessed.  “But we always told each other, when one of us goes, we want the other one to be happy," he explained, revealing the depth of their love.

Gerry expressed his desire to find a partner who shares his passions and high energy. Sports and outdoor activities, like pickleball and golf, are important to him, and he hopes to find someone with a competitive spirit to join him in these ventures.

In another interview on the Happy Hour podcast, Gerry said that he's looking for someone who has close family ties, especially if the woman has kids. He strongly believes that someone's relationship with her family can be "very revealing" and that their troubles will "manifest in a number of negative ways.”

Gerry isn't the least bit nervous that he's going to meet 30 different women on the show. Instead, he's excited and energized about being on the show, which will mark its run on television by Fall 2023. 

​​"What I’ve been spending a lot of time doing is thinking about what are the good questions to ask that will reveal character and reveal whether or not someone is a high-energy, competitive person,” Gerry said on the podcast.

ABC has yet to announce the premiere date, as of press time.

With Gerry Turner's charming personality and heartfelt journey, audiences around the world are sure to be captivated by the heartwarming search for love among senior citizens. Are you a fan of "The Bachelor," and will you be watching this installment? Do you know someone who might be interested in this story? Pass this piece along and let them of the new twist to the show!