When The Golden Bachelor Season 1 premiered in 2023, it made television history by introducing Gerry Turner as the franchise’s first-ever Golden Bachelor. The groundbreaking season proved that love has no age limit and quickly became one of ABC’s biggest reality TV successes.
From Gerry’s whirlwind romance with Theresa Nist to the unforgettable journeys of Leslie Fhima, Joan Vassos, Susan Noles, Faith Martin, and other fan favorites, the inaugural season created some of the franchise’s most memorable moments.
Now that there have been multiple seasons of The Golden Bachelor, many fans are wondering what happened to the women from Season 1. Here’s where the cast is today, including relationship updates, career news, and what they’re doing in 2026.
Gerry Turner
Gerry Turner became the first-ever Golden Bachelor and proposed to Theresa Nist during the Season 1 finale. The couple married during The Golden Wedding in January 2024 before later divorcing. Gerry has since shared updates about his health and personal life while remaining active within Bachelor Nation.
Relationship Status
Gerry has publicly moved forward with his life and has spoken about finding happiness again following his divorce. He’s now engaged.
What He’s Doing Now
He continues making public appearances, advocating for cancer awareness, getting ready to get married and staying connected with Bachelor Nation fans.
Theresa Nist
Theresa Nist won Gerry’s final rose and became the first winner in The Golden Bachelor history.
Relationship Status
Following her divorce from Gerry Turner, Theresa has focused on her family, career, and life outside reality television.
What She’s Doing Now
She remains active with Bachelor Nation through interviews, events, and social media.
Leslie Fhima
Runner-up Leslie Fhima became one of the breakout stars of Season 1 thanks to her honesty, resilience, and fan-favorite personality.
Relationship Status
Leslie has remained open to finding love and has continued dating following her time on the show.
What She’s Doing Now
She continues working as a fitness instructor while making television appearances and engaging with fans online.
Joan Vassos
Joan Vassos left Season 1 early because of a family emergency but quickly became one of the franchise’s most beloved contestants.
Relationship Status
Joan later starred as the first-ever Golden Bachelorette, where she found love.
What She’s Doing Now
She continues making media appearances and remains one of the most recognizable faces in Bachelor Nation.
Susan Noles
Susan Noles won over viewers with her humor, warmth, and unforgettable personality.
Relationship Status
Susan has publicly shared that she found love after The Golden Bachelor.
What She’s Doing Now
She co-hosts the Golden Hour podcast, attends Bachelor Nation events, and regularly connects with fans.
Faith Martin
Faith Martin captured viewers’ hearts with her authenticity and passion for music.
Relationship Status
Faith has kept much of her personal life private while remaining open to new opportunities.
What She’s Doing Now
She continues performing music, spending time on her ranch, and sharing updates with fans.
Ellen Goltzer
Ellen Goltzer became one of Season 1’s most beloved contestants after making it to the final four.
Relationship Status
Ellen has kept her dating life largely private since the show.
What She’s Doing Now
She enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and participating in Bachelor Nation events.
Sandra Mason
Sandra Mason’s warmth and honesty made her a fan favorite throughout Season 1.
Relationship Status
Sandra found love after the show and has publicly shared her relationship with fellow Bachelor Nation star Charles “CK” King.
What She’s Doing Now
She enjoys traveling, spending time with loved ones, and making appearances with fellow contestants.
Kathy Swarts
Kathy Swarts became one of the season’s most memorable personalities thanks to her quick wit and sense of humor.
Relationship Status
Kathy has shared that she remains open to finding love.
What She’s Doing Now
She co-hosts the Golden Hour podcast with Susan Noles and continues appearing at Bachelor Nation events.
April Kirkwood
April Kirkwood stood out for her confidence, humor, and positive attitude.
Relationship Status
April has kept her personal life private.
What She’s Doing Now
She continues working as a holistic wellness professional, motivational speaker, and television personality.
Nancy Hulkower
Nancy Hulkower impressed viewers with her thoughtful conversations and genuine personality.
Relationship Status
Nancy has not publicly discussed a current relationship.
What She’s Doing Now
She remains active with Bachelor Nation and uses her platform to raise awareness about living with diabetes.
Edith Aguirre
Edith Aguirre quickly became a fan favorite thanks to her elegance and confidence.
Relationship Status
Edith has kept her dating life private.
What She’s Doing Now
She enjoys retirement, stays active on social media, and frequently reconnects with fellow Season 1 contestants.
Why Fans Still Love the Golden Bachelor Season 1 Cast
Years after the inaugural season aired, the women of The Golden Bachelor Season 1 continue to inspire fans with their resilience, optimism, and willingness to embrace new chapters in life. Whether they’re finding love, launching new projects, or staying active within Bachelor Nation, these contestants have proven their journeys didn’t end when the cameras stopped rolling.
With the franchise continuing to grow, the original Season 1 cast remains the group that started it all and helped redefine reality dating television for a new generation of viewers.
Leave a Reply