Joan Vassos becomes first Golden Bachelorette

Joan Vassos is getting her second chance at love. ABC has announced that the 60-year-old private school administrator from Rockland, Maryland, will be the first-ever star of The Golden Bachelorette, set to air Wednesday nights this fall. 

Vassos was previously a contestant on the first season of The Golden Bachelor, but she had to leave early due to a family situation.

Joan's casting comes as a bit of a surprise, as many fans in Bachelor Nation expected Golden Bachelor runner-up Leslie Fhima to take the lead role. 

When asked about the possibility at the Golden Wedding between Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist earlier this year, Leslie expressed her openness to the idea with a simple, "Yeah, I would."

Despite the speculation, ABC chose Joan Vassos, who became a fan favourite early on in The Golden Bachelor. 

Known for her humour and vulnerability, Joan captured hearts with a poem titled "I Just Hope I Don't Vomit on Your Shoes" during the episode 3 talent show, which earned her a one-on-one date with Gerry. 

The two bonded over the challenges of dating after losing a spouse. However, Joan had to leave the show when her daughter, struggling with postpartum issues, needed her support.

ABC has not yet announced the premiere date for The Golden Bachelorette, but the 90-minute episodes will air Wednesdays at 8 pm. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see Joan’s journey to find love.