The 'Golden Bachelor' wedding is here: A look at Gerry and Theresa's second-chance romance
It's wedding time for "The Golden Bachelor."
In the Nov. 30 finale of the reality dating show's first senior edition, Indiana widower Gerry Turner, 72, made his final choice from the original group of 22 contestants, dropping down on one knee to propose to Theresa Nist, 70, a financial adviser from Shrewsbury, New Jersey.
Theresa giddily exclaimed "Yes! Yes!" in response.
"The Golden Wedding” two-hour special is set to air live on Thursday (8 EST/PST) from Palm Springs, California. If you missed the series, or need a post-holiday refresher, here's how Gerry and Theresa went from reality show participants to real-life couple married on TV.
Golden BachelorGerry and Theresa talk finale drama, wedding plans
How did Theresa and Gerry come together on 'Golden Bachelor'?
Gerry and Theresa hit it off from the Sept. 28 "Golden Bachelor" premiere, with Theresa arriving at the Bachelor Mansion on her 70th birthday with the other 21 contestants, ages 60 to 75. The two kissed that night after Gerry smeared birthday cupcake frosting on his lips and asked Theresa for clean-up help. "That was the best present ever," Theresa said after the smooch.
Feelings grew when the couple went on an Episode 2 solo date. After Theresa calmed Gerry during a harried Los Angeles highway drive, the two bonded over a diner dinner. They found common ground and solace in discussing the loss of their respective spouses. Gerry was married to his wife Toni for 43 years before she died in 2017 and Theresa was married to husband Billy for 42 years before he died in 2017. On the date, the two discussed romantically running off to Italy.
'Golden Bachelor' EssentialsGerry Turner needs cherry fudge ice cream, Swiffer WetJet
What happened between Kathy and Theresa on 'Golden Bachelor'?
Theresa was involved in Bachelor Mansion drama, especially with fellow contestant Kathy Swarts, 70, who expressed frustration over Theresa's incessant talk about her solo Gerry date and bond. This boiled over into a heated exchange that ended with Kathy infamously giving Theresa "some friendly advice, Zip it!"
It became a memorable Kathy catchphrase and a meme. However, Kathy was sent home without a rose that episode after Gerry discovered the hostilities.
Theresa continued as one of three contestants to be graced with a hometown visit in Episode 6. Gerry dropped in on Theresa's impressive New Jersey home and met her extended family (two grown children, and six grandchildren).
Fantasy Suite Week, Episode 8, featured Gerry expressing love and spending a night with each of the show's two finalists, Theresa and Leslie Fhima, 65, a Minneapolis-based fitness instructor. Gerry giddily told Leslie, "I think you're the one" during their intimate televised time. Theresa rocked it during her one-on-one time with Gerry, in part with a detailed explanation of her impressive self-starter financial career.
What happened between Gerry and Leslie in the 'Golden Bachelor' finale?
Gerry was hit with double controversies around "The Golden Bachelor" Nov. 30 finale. First, The Hollywood Reporter revealed details of a "not-so-golden" past, stating that Gerry had misled audiences about his professional qualifications and his dating history following the death of his wife. Further, when it was revealed that Gerry had proposed to Theresa, Leslie tearfully expressed her rightful displeasure to Gerry on live TV during the "After the Final Rose" ceremony. Leslie said she was "heartbroken" by the sudden reversal of feelings and expression of love.
"I was blindsided," Leslie said. "Because I wasn’t sure how it changed or what happened."
Will Leslie go to the 'Golden Wedding'? Yes!
Leslie told fans on Instagram that she spent her 65th birthday on Dec. 28 in the hospital after a successful operation for bowel blockage.
Nonetheless, Leslie revealed in a Jan. 3 Instagram Stories video that she would attend the Golden Wedding.
"I'm definitely on the mend," Leslie said in the video. "I'm feeling so much better that now I get to go to the wedding. And I can't wait to support Gary and Theresa on their beautiful day."
Most of the other tight-knit group of "Golden Bachelor" women are expected to attend, even Kathy. "It's great with Kathy; we want Kathy at the wedding," Theresa told USA TODAY. "We love all of these women. And I would love all of them to be there."
Popular contestant Susan Noles, 66, announced on Instagram on Tuesday that she will officiate the Golden Wedding, writing, "I'm just beyond excited." The ABC special will feature the wedding guests' arrivals, an outdoor ceremony and a portion of the indoor reception.
With the proposal revealed in November, the January wedding is quick.
"When you're older, the clock ticks faster," Gerry told USA TODAY. "If you believe you've found the right person and you want to be married forever, you don't wait. You do it."
Will the Golden Honeymoon be televised?
There are no plans to televise the honeymoon. During the finale, "Golden Bachelor" host Jesse Palmer gave the duo (on behalf of ABC) a trip to Italy, just as the couple talked about on their first date. The Italian escape will serve as their honeymoon.