Last night, The Golden Bachelor served up another juicy episode, and with it, another heartbreaking departure. ICYMI, contestant Marina left early last week to deal with some family matters, and this week saw another woman answer a family call (literally). Yes, it looks like viewers must say one unexpected goodbye each week at this point. But fan-favorite Joan leaving early just hit different.
The episode begins with 13 women, all turning on the charm for precious Gerry Turner. This man can do no wrong as far as America, and his many girlfriends, are concerned.
Joan and Gerry get some really heartwarming alone time after a talent show, which was so much more entertaining when it included the 60+ variety of women. But it all came crashing down shortly after… when Joan shared she had to go.
So who is Joan and what went down last night? Women’s Health has you covered.
Who is Joan?
Joan is a 60-year-old private school administrator from Rockland, Maryland. She’s a mom, who tells, Entertainment Weekly she loves dancing after a few glasses of wine. Yes, Joan!
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Joan gets a one-on-one with Gerry in Episode 3.
After taking part in a group-date talent show during which she delivers an adorable poem called “I Just Hope I Don’t Vomit on Your Shoes,” Joan wins a truly romantic one-on-one dinner date with Gerry.
BTW, her poem, which was about meeting Gerry the first night, was pretty epic. So it totally makes sense that Gerry was all in on her. Some select lines include: “As I stand here tonight without a talent to expose/ I recite this poem to Gerry because I really just want another rose.” An Emily Dickinson in the making!
Over dinner, the two bond a *lot*. Plus, Gerry tells Joan that he appreciates her vulnerability. “Somebody that puts themselves out there like that, it’s very attractive to me,” he says.
They end the date holding hands, and with a smooch (!) before Gerry gives our girl a rose.
What happened to Joan?
After a truly magical date, both Joan and Gerry seem to be on cloud nine. But unfortunately, Joan gets a text from a family member and tells Gerry that she has to leave.
“My family needs me,” she tells the other women. “I wish I could be here for the whole journey.”
There is not a dry eye in the mansion, or on my couch!
Why did Joan leave?
Joan tells a truly shattered Gerry (my heart can’t take this!) that her daughter is only 15 days postpartum and was struggling, per Entertainment Weekly.
“I got a text this morning, and I think I need to go home and be a mom right now… I don’t want to leave our journey, but I’ve got to be a parent,” Joan tells him, per EW. And she then explains to Gerry that he healed a part of her heart during their time together. Too sweet!
Joan tells her daughter she will figure out how to get home (despite being in the middle of filming) and would come as soon as possible.
Joan for Golden Bachelorette
Joan certainly proved a fan-favorite this season, and her time on the series has Bach Nation calling for more Joan on their screens. Honestly, a Golden Bachelorette title seems written in the stars for her.
Exhibit A:
Exhibit B:
Exhibit C:
I don’t know about you, but I am totally on Team Joan! Where can I sign the petition?
Stay tuned for more details.
Jacqueline Tempera is an award-winning writer and reporter living in New Jersey with her many pets. She is a business owner and a double Scorpio who loves all things astrology and reality television. She is passionate about body diversity and representation, mental health, and the fight to end sexual assault and harassment. To learn more about Jackie, follow her on Instagram @jacktemp or visit her website at jackietempera.com.
