Who is Gerry Turner? All about the ‘Golden Bachelor’ and his Cancer Diagnosis

What does it mean to start over when life has already taken you through its highest highs and deepest lows? For Gerry Turner, it meant embracing vulnerability, stepping into the spotlight, and showing the world that love and courage don’t expire. At 71, Gerry became the first-ever Golden Bachelor, capturing hearts with his charming smile and his story of resilience, loss, and the relentless pursuit of joy.

From losing his high school sweetheart to navigating the complexities of a cancer diagnosis, Gerry’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance. He’s not just a man looking for love in his golden years—he’s a symbol of hope for anyone ever wondering if it’s too late to start again. So, who is Gerry Turner? Let’s explore the life of a man who turned life’s challenges into an extraordinary second act.

Who is Gerry Turner?

Gerry Turner, a retired restaurateur and reality TV star, made history as the first lead of ABC’s The Golden Bachelor. Born and raised in Indiana, Turner quickly captured the hearts of millions with his charming personality, positive outlook on life, and dedication to family. From his picturesque lakefront home to his journey through grief and newfound love, Turner’s life is a story of resilience and optimism.

Turner’s high-profile role on The Golden Bachelor showcased his journey to find love in his golden years. Still, his personal life—including his enduring bond with his late wife, his diagnosis with an incurable cancer, and his short-lived marriage to Theresa Nist—has also been marked by moments of profound struggle and triumph. This is everything to know about Gerry Turner, a man whose life has inspired many.

Where does Gerry Turner live?

Gerry Turner resides in his dream home on a serene lake in Indiana. Described as a hub for family gatherings and community, Turner’s house reflects his love for hosting, entertaining, and spending time with his daughters and grandchildren. His Indiana roots have been a defining feature of his life, influencing his values and a strong sense of family.

Before joining The Golden Bachelor, Turner contemplated moving to Charleston, South Carolina, as a potential relocation spot. This idea gained traction when he discovered that Theresa Nist, his future wife, also had ties to Charleston through her son. Despite their mutual interest, the couple’s differing commitments to their families and homes ultimately created challenges in their relationship.

What is Gerry Turner known for?

Gerry Turner rose to fame in 2023 as the first-ever Golden Bachelor, a groundbreaking spinoff of the popular Bachelor franchise designed for senior singles. Turner’s journey on the show resonated with audiences as he navigated dating in his 70s, ultimately getting engaged to Theresa Nist during the finale. The couple later tied the knot in a televised wedding in January 2024, though their marriage ended in divorce three months later.

Turner’s natural charm and relatability stood out throughout the series. From his romantic speeches to his thoughtful relationship approach, he quickly became a beloved figure. Despite the short-lived nature of his marriage to Nist, Turner’s time on The Golden Bachelor has left a lasting impression on viewers.

What happened in Gerry Turner’s first marriage?

In 1974, Gerry Turner married his high school sweetheart, Toni. Together, they built a life filled with love, raising two daughters, Angie and Jenny, and later welcoming two granddaughters, Charlee and Payton. Their marriage was marked by decades of joy, family milestones, and shared dreams.

Tragically, Toni passed away in 2017, just six weeks after her retirement. Her sudden death profoundly affected Turner, leading him to sell the lake house they had planned to enjoy together. Seeking to process his grief, Turner turned to counseling, which he credits as life-changing. Reflecting on his late wife, Turner shared that he often seeks her guidance and believes she would have supported his decision to find love again.

What is Gerry Turner’s cancer diagnosis?

In 2024, Gerry Turner revealed that he had been diagnosed with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, a rare and incurable form of bone marrow cancer. The diagnosis came after Turner sought treatment for a shoulder injury, and doctors noticed unusual blood markers. Following several rounds of testing, including a bone marrow biopsy, Turner’s condition was confirmed.

Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia is a slow-growing cancer affecting white blood cells, transforming them into cancer cells accumulating in the bone marrow. Symptoms can take years to manifest, including fatigue, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes. Turner’s diagnosis significantly influenced his decisions, including his choice to prioritize time with his family over relocating with Theresa Nist.

Despite the challenges, Turner remains committed to living life to the fullest. Inspired by Tim McGraw’s song “Live Like You Were Dying,” he has adopted a philosophy and continues participating in charitable events and fundraisers to raise awareness about his condition.

Why did Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist divorce?

Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist’s whirlwind romance on The Golden Bachelor ended in marriage, but their union faced challenges almost immediately. The couple, who lived in separate states, struggled to reconcile their differing commitments to family and location. In April 2024, just three months after their wedding, Turner filed for divorce, citing the difficulties of finding a shared lifestyle.

Turner later revealed that his cancer diagnosis played a significant role in his decision to prioritize staying close to his daughters and grandchildren in Indiana. While he hoped that fans would understand the situation’s complexity, Nist offered a different perspective, stating that distance was only one factor in their split.

Despite their separation, Turner and Nist have spoken fondly of their time together. Turner describes their journey as a cherished memory and wishes Nist happiness and success.

FAQs

Who is Gerry Turner? Gerry Turner is a retired restaurateur from Indiana and the first-ever lead of ABC’s The Golden Bachelor. He gained widespread attention for his journey to find love in his golden years.

What is Gerry Turner’s cancer diagnosis? Turner has Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, a rare and incurable form of bone marrow cancer. The diagnosis has significantly influenced his life and decisions.

Who was Gerry Turner’s first wife? Turner was married to his high school sweetheart, Toni, from 1974 until she died in 2017. The couple shared two daughters and two granddaughters.

Why did Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist divorce? The couple divorced in April 2024, three months after their televised wedding. Turner’s cancer diagnosis and the challenges of reconciling their different living situations were contributing factors.

What is Gerry Turner’s outlook on life? Despite his diagnosis, Turner remains optimistic and committed to living life fully. He continues to spend time with family, engage in his favourite hobbies, and participate in charitable initiatives.