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Joan Vassos will be the first-ever golden bachelorette this fall. The 61-year-old Maryland native is looking for love after having to self-eliminate from The Golden Bachelor early on. Recently, Vassos explained exactly how she learned about The Golden Bachelor and what prompted her to join the cast. 

Why did Joan Vassos sign up for ‘The Golden Bachelor’? 

Joan Vassos is looking forward to her season of The Golden Bachelorette, but she’s still willing to discuss her time on The Golden Bachelor. During a chat with CNN, Vassos revealed how she came to be on the now-iconic series. The Maryland native said that she knew she wanted to put herself out there a couple of years after her husband’s death but realized that her heart wasn’t in it. Vassos also said that she didn’t know where to start with finding a date since she had been married for over three decades and all her friends were married. 

The Golden Bachelor casting call popped up at just the right moment. Vassos said she had just been discussing dating with a friend over dinner. When she returned home, she turned on the TV and saw a casting call for the dating competition. Vassos said she took the commercial as a sign and filled out the screening questions. She insisted the universe was talking to her that day. 

The contestants of 'The Golden Bachelor' stand together during an episode of the reality competition show.
Sandra, Christina, Leslie, April, Nancy, Kathy, Joan, Faith, Susan, Jeanie, Ellen, Natasha and Edith appear on ‘The Golden Bachelor’ | Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Images

Vassos was one of 22 women between the ages of 60 and 75 to compete for Gerry Turner’s affection. Six women did not make it past the first rose ceremony. Despite her early bond with Turner, Vassos left the competition of her own accord in week 3. Turner went on to pick Theresa Nist as the winner of his season. The pair married in January 2024 and announced their divorce in April. 

Joan Vassos has some rules for her next big love 

Joan Vassos’ time on The Golden Bachelor had to be cut short. The same won’t be true for The Golden Bachelorette. She told CNN that she really believed in the process and was excited to meet a variety of men. Still, Vassos already knows some of what she is looking for in her future partner. 

Joan Vassos appears at 'The Golden Bachelor' special wedding event
Joan Vassos | James Clark/Disney via Getty Images
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‘The Golden Bachelor’ Has Made Joan Vassos ‘Crave’ a Love Connection

Vassos has absolutely no intention of moving away from her family and friends. Her prospective beau will need to get on board with a long-distance relationship or be willing to move to Maryland to be with her. She also said she is in absolutely no rush to tie the knot again, no matter how great some of her suitors turn out to be. Vassos insists she’ll be taking the time to get to know the winner of her season in the real world before making any long-term commitment. She’s not opposed to slipping on an engagement ring at the end of her season, though. 

ABC has yet to announce a premiere date for The Golden Bachelorette, but it will premiere sometime in the fall. 

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