The Golden Bachelor premiered on Thursday, September 28, 2023. It will chronicle 72-year-old Gerry Turner's quest for love. Gerry is a retired restaurateur who was previously married to his high school sweetheart, Toni, for 43 years. She died six years ago from a bacterial infection. Toni was survived by Gerry, two daughters, and two granddaughters.
For those not familiar with the Bachelor routine, the premiere episode consists of meeting Gerry’s potential romantic partners. Twenty-two women fought for his attention, each trying to both be herself and stand out from the crowd. One woman, 70-year-old Theresa, got out of the limo in a robe, claiming to be in her birthday suit.
"Tonight is the first day of the rest of my life," Gerry mused before meeting all the women. "How lucky would I be to find a second true love in my lifetime? I’ve had one that was amazing, wonderful, 43 years of marriage to my high school sweetheart. I married Toni in 1972, and we had 43 wonderful years together."
Theresa was wearing her birthday suit because it was the actual big day. She was turning 70 and meeting Gerry. When she “flashed” him it turned out she was actually wearing a nude bodysuit under her robe. She hoped her move was memorable enough for the first impression rose.
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During the cocktail party that followed their initial meeting, Theresa shared a letter her daughter had written to her before she left for the show. Gerry gave her a cupcake to celebrate her birthday. They also shared a first kiss.
"It’s been forever since I kissed a guy, and it felt incredible," Theresa gushed. "It was just so good. It’s been an amazing 70th birthday. I never imagined in a million years that this is where I would be. I feel that we made a connection. I’d be very surprised if I don’t get the First Impression Rose."
Theresa did not receive the First Impression Rose. Instead it went to 60-year-old Faith who rode in on a motorcycle and sang Gerry an original love song. “I want you to know that you made this impression not because you rode in a motorcycle, not even because you have a beautiful voice and you sang a song to me, but because of what you’re doing right now — you’re making me feel very special,” Gerry told Faith when presenting the rose to her.
“To me this rose represents hope, a hope that we can create something beautiful together and that’s the beginning and I felt so special,” Faith replied after kissing Gerry.
Theresa did receive a rose later that evening, so there is hope for her and Gerry yet.
