Gerry Turner’s Big Cancer Update Explained (Does This Mean He’ll Be On Bachelor In Paradise?)

The Golden Bachelor‘s Gerry Turner was diagnosed with cancer in 2024, and he recently shared an update on his sad diagnosis. The 72-year-old retired restaurateur was a lonely Indiana widower when he was cast as The Bachelor spin-off’s first male lead. Long before marrying Theresa Nist on national television, he was married to Toni Turner for 43 years until she passed away in 2018. The tall, attractive Gerry inspired many single older women to flood ABC casting offices with applications for a shot at his heart.

Theresa, a 70-year-old day trader from New Jersey, was among the women who traveled to the Bachelor mansion to date Gerry. The Golden Bachelor season 1 ended with Gerry giving Theresa his final rose. The couple got engaged, and were married just a few short weeks later during a lavish televised wedding. When the septuagenarian couple announced their divorce after only three months of marriage, no one knew Gerry’s cancer diagnosis contributed to their split. The father of two and grandfather of two recently shared a health update. Will he appear in Bachelor In Paradise season 10?

Gerry’s Golden Bachelor Journey

It Seemed Like An Inspiring Love Story

ABC announced that Gerry would be the lead of The Bachelor spin-off in July 2023. The names of the 22 women chosen to vie for Gerry’s heart were made public in August 2023, including Theresa. Like Gerry, Theresa was also a widower. Her beloved husband of 42 years, William Nist, passed away in 2014, and she was ready for love again. Theresa was looking for a partner who could be her best friend during the next chapter of her life. Gerry wanted someone who was high-energy and lived an active lifestyle.

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They hit it off right away, from the moment Theresa stepped out of the limousine, pretending to be nude under her coat. She wasn’t naked under her coat, but the cute bit charmed Gerry and set Theresa apart. Though the competition for Gerry’s heart was stiff, Theresa was one of the front-runners the whole way. In the end, Gerry whittled his options down to Theresa and 65-year-old fitness instructor Leslie Fhima. Though Gerry told both women that he loved them, he chose Theresa and sent Leslie home in tears.

Gerry’s Cancer Diagnosis

& Health Update

Before joining the cast of The Golden Bachelor season 1, Gerry lived in Indiana while Theresa lived in New Jersey. Though they initially blamed their divorce on the fact that they couldn’t decide on a place to live, new information has shone light on the real reason for their split. During a December interview with People, he revealed what really happened after the cameras stopped filming. While treating a shoulder injury, doctors diagnosed Gerry with bone marrow cancer. His diagnosis became his main focus, and he just couldn’t prioritize his new marriage.

“But the bottom line is I feel really good.”

In a recent interview with People, Gerry shared an update on his health. Though there’s no treatment for his cancer, The Golden Bachelor regularly sees a doctor for testing and said that he has felt well recently. His doctors feel good about his progress, and Gerry expects to live for at least another couple of years. “But the bottom line is I feel really good,” Gerry said.

Will Gerry Be On Bachelor In Paradise?

He May No Longer Be On The Market

In addition to the usual young singles, Bachelor In Paradise season 10 will also feature cast members from The Golden Bachelor and The Golden Bachelorette. Though Gerry would make an excellent addition to the beach this summer, the widower is off the market. Gerry recently appeared on the Bachelor Happy Hour Podcast, where he revealed that he was dating someone special. “I hate to say it because I know I’m going to get baseballs thrown at me,” said Gerry. “It was almost the first time I saw her.” He didn’t share more details, but he sounded happy.

The Golden Bachelor season 1 can be streamed on Hulu.

Sources: People, People, Bachelor Happy Hour Podcast