After settling her divorce from The Golden Bachelor's Gerry Turner, Theresa Nist repeatedly showed the world that she was better off without him. 70-year-old Theresa is no stranger to being alone, as she lost her husband, William Nist, in 2014 after 42 happy years of marriage. Theresa and William were high school sweethearts who married when Theresa was only 19 years old and William was 20. The couple had two children together, but both were grown up and out of the house by the time William passed away. Theresa, a very successful day trader, focused on her impressive career and her beautiful grandchildren, but when The Golden Bachelor was looking for women to date Gerry, Theresa decided to give herself another shot at finding love.
Theresa was among 22 women cast in The Golden Bachelor season 1, and she and Gerry hit it off right away. For his part, 72-year-old Gerry was also a widower when he was cast as the lead of The Bachelor spin-off. The retired restaurateur lost his beloved wife, Toni Turner, in 2017 after 43 years of marriage and two children together. The two septuagenarian widowers fell in love and were married in a lavish Golden wedding in January. Though hopes were high for the couple, Gerry and Theresa announced their split in April after only three months of marriage. Since the divorce, Gerry has taken the brunt of the blame, as Theresa has thrived in her new life as a recently single divorcee.
8Theresa Has An Exciting New Job
World's Best Assistant
Before joining the cast of The Golden Bachelor season 1, Theresa had a full-time career as a successful day trader, and she returned to work soon after the cameras stopped rolling. Though Theresa continues to work a full-time job, she recently helped her daughter out at work and posted it on Instagram. In the photos, Theresa helps her daughter Jen run a photo booth at a wedding and appears to have a fabulous time doing it.
The post has 2K likes, and Theresa's caption reads, "lucky me, I get to be Jen’s Photo Booth assistant at a wedding!" Theresa's family had always come first for her. Theresa has six grandsons, and she tries to spend as much time with them as possible. Since the split, Theresa has leaned on her family and hasn't needed Gerry one bit.
7Theresa Started Hanging Out With Leslie Fhima
She Was Gerry's Runner-Up
Leslie Fhima's journey on The Golden Bachelor season 1 started like a dream come true. 65-year-old Leslie was a two-time divorcee who had given up on love. She had been single for the entire 22 years since her second divorce, focusing on her two children instead. She decided to get back into dating in time to date Gerry on television. Leslie wasn't one of the early front-runners, but the two got closer as the season progressed. Though Gerry told Leslie she was "the one" during their overnight date, he gave his final rose to Theresa instead.
Leslie's broken heart didn't keep her from forming a friendship with Theresa.
In June, Theresa posted Instagram photos of her recent trip to Minnesota. The photos are of Theresa and Leslie having a great time together. The post has 19.5K likes, and Theresa's post reads, "Made my way all the way to Minnesota to visit my dear friend, the lovely Leslie!"
6Theresa Doesn't Feel The Need To Engage In Bachelor Nation Activities
She's Not In It For Fame
While many Bachelor Nation stars often appear at Bachelor Nation functions, Theresa doesn't seem to have any interest in continuing to be a public personality. Recently, stars like Kelsey Anderson, Joey Graziadei, and Charity Lawson were spotted at the premiere of the inaugural season of The Golden Bachelorette, while Theresa was nowhere in sight.
Though Theresa is very popular with fans of the franchise, she has a full life and doesn't need to be in the public eye.
The Golden Bachelorette season 1 premieres on September 18, and stars Joan Vassos. 61-year-old Joan is a private school administrator who made her television debut on The Golden Bachelor, alongside Theresa. Though she and Gerry had chemistry, Joan had to leave the season early to deal with a family emergency. When one door closes, another opens, and now Joan will have a second shot at falling in love on national television.
5Theresa Has Her Magical Garden
It's Her Secret Weapon
New Jersey is known as The Garden State, and former The Golden Bachelor cast member has always enjoyed getting her hands dirty while working in the garden. Since her split from Gerry, Theresa's been healing her broken heart while growing her magical garden and posting photos on Instagram. The photos are incredible, and the vibrant colors of the blooms look almost unreal.
Her caption goes on to explain that she considers gardening to be meditative and loves that it's good exercise and a great way to get fresh air and sunshine. Theresa's love of gardening can be seen in every photo she has ever posted of her lawn. It's easy to see why the enchanted place is such a source of comfort and inspiration to Theresa as she heals from heartbreak.
4Theresa Went to A Comedy Show
Laughter Is Healing
They say laughter is the best medicine, and, in August, Theresa put that to the test by hitting up a comedy club and posting the photos of the fun night to Instagram. In the photos, The Golden Bachelor season 1 cast member poses with the comedian as well as her girlfriends, and she couldn't be smiling more brightly than in these pictures.
Loved Jared ever since he made fun of me on the show.
After the heartbreak of her painful public divorce, it's nice to see Theresa is still smiling and trying to laugh. Theresa can act like the whole divorce didn't phase her, but that can't possibly be true because marriage is a serious business. The truth is, Gerry and Theresa rushed into their marriage and should probably have dated for a lot longer before taking the plunge. It's great Theresa can still have a good time with her friends at a comedy club, but it's important to remember that divorce is no laughing matter.
3Theresa Is Creating Fun Instagram Videos
She's Having More Fun Than Ever
Since divorcing Gerry, Theresa has had more time on her hands to make adorable Instagram videos. The star of The Golden Bachelor's season 1 recently posted a fun clip in which she tries on three different outfits by jumping into them with the help of clever editing. The post has 9.8K likes, and Theresa's caption reads, "I’ve always wanted to do one of these videos!"
"So, which dress should I wear to go out to dinner with my friends?"
Though Theresa is a single woman, she's never at a loss for someone to spend time with. Between her loving family and her close friends, the petite grandmother always seemed to be busy doing something fabulous. While Gerry tries to salvage his good name, Theresa has been thriving as a single woman.
2Theresa Is Happy About Her Expanding Family
She Made A Big Announcement
Theresa is a loving mother of two and a grandmother of six, but her family has grown even bigger recently. In June, Theresa posted a video to Instagram in which Theresa's daughter announced another pregnancy. Upon receiving the news, a visibly thrilled Theresa cheered and jumped out of her chair. The Golden Bachelor season 1 star has six grandsons and is probably hoping to finally welcome her first granddaughter.
When Theresa and Gerry announced their Golden divorce, they cited irreconcilable differences.
The main issue between them was about basic geography. Gerry lived in Indiana, and Theresa didn't want to move away from her family in New Jersey. With Theresa getting ready to welcome yet another grandchild, she's even more anchored in place.
1Theresa Has Made New Friends
Including A Mystery Man
In addition to her family and long-time friends, The Golden Bachelor season 1 star has made new friends since separating from Gerry. As part of her healing process, Theresa has been getting out more, and, in June, Theresa posted Instagram photos of herself at dinner with a couple of friends, including a mystery man.
One of the unexpected aspects of being on the show was people recognizing me places, which led to conversations, which actually resulted in new found friendships! "
Though Theresa and the mystery man are seated very close together, he's wearing what appears to be a wedding ring, so he's not her date. The photo itself is fantastic, and she looks great in it. She doesn't look like a woman who went through a very public divorce. Though The Golden Bachelor star doesn't seem to be dating anyone these days, she hopefully won't let her failed marriage hold her back from finding love again.
The Golden Bachelor season 1 is available to stream on Hulu.
