‘Golden Bachelor’ Couple Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist Announce divorce

Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist, the first couple of ABC’s senior spinoff series ‘The Golden Bachelor,’ stunned viewers on Friday, April 12, 2024, by announcing their decision to end their marriage.

The pair, who were wed in a widely-publicized ceremony featured on the show, shared their decision during a joint appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

Mr. Turner, 72, explained, “Theresa and I have had a number of heart-to-heart conversations, and we’ve looked closely at our situation, our living situation, and we’ve come to the conclusion mutually that it’s probably time for us to dissolve our marriage.”

Their revelation, coming just three months after their televised wedding, left anchor Juju Chang expressing disbelief, questioning, “Three months after getting married?” She further expressed surprise during the interview, prompting the couple to elaborate on their reasoning.

Mr. Turner cited their dedication to their respective families, each having children and grandchildren from previous marriages, as a primary factor in their decision.

Ms. Nist, 70, added that despite efforts to find a suitable living arrangement near family members in South Carolina and New Jersey, they were unable to reach a resolution.

While the couple declined further comment through a representative, their divorce marks a significant turn in the narrative of “The Golden Bachelor” franchise.

Positioned as proof that love can thrive later in life, Turner and Nist’s union was meant to inspire viewers. Yet, their separation reveals the complexities of relationships, especially later in life, despite the optimism portrayed on television.

While the dissolution of Turner and Nist’s marriage may disappoint some viewers, Ms. Nist expressed hope that their journey would inspire others to remain hopeful in their pursuit of love. “We say, ‘Don’t give up,’” she remarked. “We say, ‘Stay in it, stay hopeful, because we are.’”