The Golden Bachelorettestar Joan Vassos may have been part of Gerry Turner’s season, butshe’ll make a far better lead than the original heartbreaker, and hopefully revitalize the series. Joan, who appeared onThe Golden Bachelorseason 1alongside several other women who were interested in seeing if they could build a connection with Gerry, had a shortened experience on the show. LeavingThe Golden Bachelorearly to tend to a family emergency, Joan pivoted easily after her time on the show was over. Although she only made it a few weeks, Joan made an impression onBachelorNation.

While Gerry’s time asThe Golden Bachelorwas one of the most watchable seasons of the series in years, things proved more difficult once the season was over. Gerry and his final pick, Theresa Nist, got married in a live wedding special just a month afterThe Golden Bachelorfinale aired. Three short months later, the couple announced they’d be getting divorced, shockingBachelorNation. Many were worried about the future ofThe Golden Bachelorette,butJoan was soon announced as the lead. It quickly became clear thatshe would have to clean up the mess that Gerry left behind.

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Joan’s The New Face Of The Golden Side Of The Franchise

She’s Taking The Spin-Off Over

As the newGolden Bachelorette,Joan is going to be taking on the newest iteration of theGoldenseries, and she’s ready for the journey of a lifetime. Joan, who shared during her time onThe Golden Bachelorthat her family was everything to her, has proven that she’s authentic in herself during her time with the franchise. While Gerry was cast to be a lead onBachelorNation, Joan was cast to be a contestant, which gave her the opportunity to be the most authentic version of herself on camera during her initial season.

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Joan was able to allow viewers to get to know her for her, and even in the brief time she had on screen as she took onThe Golden Bachelor,she was someone thatBachelorNation was interested in getting to know.Joan has shared that she treasures her time with her grandchildren, and loves being a mom to her grown kids, too. She’s been open about the fact that she’s a widower, and whileher late husband John Vassosis still someone she loves deeply, she’s ready to make the leap to meet the next love of her life.

montage of The Golden Bachelorette’s Joan Vassos with emoji’s around her

Joan Has To Take On What Gerry Left Behind

She Has A Lot Of Pressure To Cope With

AlthoughJoan has a great foundationcoming into her time asThe Golden Bachelorette,she has to deal with the mess Gerry left behind. Gerry, whoBachelorNation was also excited about, wound up being less authentic than he claimed during his time as the lead. Lying about his relationships and the fact that he’d dated and dumped someone after his wife’s passing, Gerry’s reputation has tanked for his behavior afterThe Golden Bachelorseason 1,leaving Joan with a major mess to clean up. Joan has to be as authentic as she can to keepBachelorNation at bay.

Joan’s Optimism Can Fix What Gerry Broke

She’s Happy To Be Taking On The Challenge

WhileJoan has a lot to deal with in her time asThe Golden Bachelorette,she seems incredibly optimistic about the journey. WithJoanknowing that she’ll be able to handle the pressures that come along with being the lead, she’s optimisticshe’ll be able to clean up Gerry’s messand makeBachelorNation happy to have her as a lead on the show. Gerry may have made a mockery of theGoldenprocess, but Joan’s going to be able to revitalizeThe Golden Bacheloretteand that side of the franchise with her optimistic views and potentially sweet love story.

The Golden Bachelorettepremieres Wednesday, September 18 at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.

The Golden Bachelorette Official Poster

The Golden Bachelorette

Cast

The Golden Bachelorette: This reality series offers one woman in her later years the opportunity to find love, as a group of seasoned men compete for her affection. Participants bring diverse romantic histories, seeking a meaningful connection and a chance to build a promising future together.