The Golden Bachelorette: Does Jonathan Rone's Recent Breakup Mean He Could Still Be The Golden Bachelor?

The Golden Bachelorette season 1 contestant Jonathan Rone met someone shortly after leaving the show, but the relationship has come to an end. Jonathan, a 61-year-old shipping consultant from Oakland, Iowa, was one of the 24 men who traveled to the iconic Bachelor mansion to compete for Joan Vassos' heart. Though he and Joan hit it off, she liked several other men better, and eliminated him before her hometown dates.

After Jonathan was eliminated from The Golden Bachelorette season 1, there was some speculation that the attractive single sexagenarian could replace 72-year-old Gerry Turner as the next The Golden Bachelor. Hopes of such a casting were dashed when Jonathan quickly announced that he was already in a serious relationship with a new woman in his life. Now that his relationship has ended, there are some questions about whether Jonathan could be The Golden Bachelor.

Jonathan & Joan Hit It Off

He Impressed Her With His Vulnerability

Joan liked Jonathan right away, and he really made an impression on her during an early group date. During The Golden Bachelorette season 1, Joan took a group of men to prom. During the group prom date, Jonathan really shone and got Joan's attention. He seemed like a front-runner for a while, but Joan ultimately preferred other men, like The Golden Bachelorette's Chock Chapple, 60, who ultimately won her final rose.

Jonathan & Michelle Got Serious Fast

Dream Come True?

In November 2024, Jonathan appeared on The Golden Bachelorette Men Tell All special, where he revealed that he had a new woman in his life. Days later, he started gushing about his relationship with Michelle Zimmerman on social media, and, for a while, the couple seemed happy together. It really looked like Jonathan had found true love with Michelle, and it sounded like a dream come true.

Jonathan & Michelle Broke Up

"I Know My Person Is Out There"

After months of being in a happy relationship, Jonathan recently posted an Instagram video explaining that the relationship was over. "With a heavy heart, I want to share that I’m no longer in a relationship," wrote The Golden Bachelorette season 1 alumni. "I know my person is out there, and I’ll find them when the time is right." Though it's probably too late for Jonathan to be in The Golden Bachelor season 2, but he could still be a contestant on Golden Bachelor In Paradise.

The Golden Bachelorette season 1 can be streamed on Hulu.