The Golden Bacheloretteseason 1 ended with Joan Vassos giving her final rose to Chock Chapple, but I’m convinced she’s settling for the safe choice. It’s not how I wanted things to work out for Joan. She’s been through so much over the last few years, so I was rooting for her to find the man of her dreams. In 2021, Joan lost her husband, John Vassos, after 32 years of marriage and four children together. He was the love of her life, and she never thought she’d find herself dating in her later years.
When she heard thatTheBachelorfranchise was casting contestants for a version of the show that stars older people. Joan was cast inThe Golden Bachelorseason 1, where she dated 72-year-old Gerry Turner. When she had to leave early due to a family emergency, she was cast asThe Golden Bacheloretteand introduced to24 singleGoldeneligible bachelors. After a thrilling season of romantic dates, awkward moments, rose ceremonies, and dramatic interludes,Joan gave her final rose to 60-year-old Chock, but did Joan settle for the safe choice?
Joan & Chock’s Strong Connection Happened Early On
They Connected At The Magic Kingdom
Joan met 24 impressive men duringThe Golden Bacheloretteseason 1, and Chock was one of her early favorites. Though he didn’t receive her first impression rose, an honor that went to 62-year-old Keith Gordon, Chock did get Joan’s first one-on-one date. They went to Disneyland for a romantic date at the Magic Kingdom, wherethey connected over shared values and similar life experiences. The night ended with a romantic kiss under the iconic Disneyland fireworks display, and the two were locked in on each other for the rest of the season.
Chock Was The Only Guy Who Was Really Vulnerable With Joan
They Understood Each
Like Joan, Chock had suffered a profound loss. After his 12-year marriage to Heather Chapple ended in divorce,Chock met Katherine Elizabeth White Goree. The couple were engaged for nine years before she passed away in 2022. During Joan and Chock’s first solo date, he said thatlosing Heather was the most devastating loss of his life. Chock is still close to his late fiancée’s family. When Joan went to Kansas to meet the Chapples, Katherine’s father was there too. It’s clear that Chock loved his late fiancée deeply, and I believe Joan was moved by his vulnerability.
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Chock experienced another profound loss while filmingThe Golden Bacheloretteseason 1 when his beloved mother passed away. Chock had to leave the show early, tearfully kissing Joan goodbye. They were both devastated, and it was unclear if he’d be back. When Chock returned by the end of the episode,I believe it was a turning point in the relationship. Chock made it very clear that Joan was his priority, so Joan always knew that he’d be a safe bet.
Chock Was The Best Choice Of Joan’s Finale Three Guys
Late in the inaugural season ofThe Golden Bachelorette, Joan narrowed her field down to three men: Chock,66-year-old Guy Gansert, and 69-year-old Pascal Ibgui. Pascal broke Joan’s heart during his overnight date when he panicked after a symbolic bonding ritual made him question his feelings. In a painful clip posted to YouTube byBachelor Nation,Pascal told Joan he saw her as more of a friend. He eliminated himself fromThe Golden Bacheloretteand went home.
As bad a choice as Pascal was, Guy Gansert wasn’t perfect either.
AsThe Golden Bacheloretteseason 1 was airing,Peoplereported that Guy’s ex-wife, Heidi O’Gara,filed a temporary protective order against him in October 2021. Though Heidi dropped the order a month later,Guy’s contentious relationship with his ex-wifewas a major red flag. Of the three men who made it to her final three, Chock was the most into Joan, and I’m convinced he was her safest option.
61 years old
Private school administrator
60 years old
The Golden Bachelorette
Cast
The Golden Bachelorette: This reality series offers one woman in her later years the opportunity to find love, as a group of seasoned men compete for her affection. Participants bring diverse romantic histories, seeking a meaningful connection and a chance to build a promising future together.
