The Golden Bachelorette: All About the Dating Show Starring Joan Vassos

Joan Vassos' roses are in order!

ABC's inaugural season of The Golden Bachelorette premieres this fall, starring the former contestant of the senior dating reality show who appeared on Gerry Turner's season of The Golden Bachelor.

Vassos' intention to find love again was cut short on the show when she voluntarily decided to step away from the series to prioritize her family. The network revealed in May 2024 that she'd have another shot at finding a potential partner in Bachelor Nation — but this time, as the show's lead.

Before the casting news became public, the Maryland native said on a May episode of the Bachelor Happy Hour: Golden Hour podcast that she hoped to find love again but didn’t want to look for it on dating apps. She also revealed what she's looking for in a man.

"I'm OK with a bald guy,” Vassos said the podcast. “My husband, my late husband, was bald, and I thought he was very sexy, so that's fine. Got to have all your teeth, that's good. I want somebody who's fit. I want somebody who takes care of themselves. I want somebody who is active."

In an exclusive first-look of the upcoming series, Vassos told her kids what qualities she's seeking in a potential partner — to which the mother of four responded, "I’m very picky about a man being a gentleman... Somebody with a big heart, somebody who is generous and also somebody who’s humble."

Read on for everything to know about The Golden Bachelorette, including who's in the cast and when the series premieres.

Who is the star of The Golden Bachelorette?

Joan Vassos is the first-ever leading lady of The Golden Bachelorette. Though, she's no stranger to Bachelor Nation having appeared as a contestant on Gerry Turner's season of The Golden Bachelor.

Unfortunately, Vassos' journey to find love on the senior dating show was cut short when she chose to to withdraw during week three to prioritize her family. She explained her reason for stepping away on Instagram in October 2023.

"My journey to find love took a detour this week as I traded the mansion for motherhood and headed home to be with my family. Family comes first, period. Once a mother, always a mother, I’ll always choose my kids first," she wrote in part.

Vassos' husband of 32 years, John, died in January 2021 from pancreatic cancer. In an exclusive first look at the upcoming series, the mother of four told her kids that she doesn't want "to replace dad," explaining, "I just want our family to be whole again."

In January 2024, Vassos shared a tribute to John on Instagram. "He was the husband that always made me feel safe and cherished. He was the parent that was always the fun one because that's all he knew how to do...lucky kids because fun in his book was generally epic. I could go on for hours," she wrote in part.

Outside of being a mother and a grandma of two grandkids, Vassos is a school administrator. She also shares a close relationship with her former Golden Bachelor cast.

Who's in the cast of The Golden Bachelorette?

On Aug. 13, ABC revealed the 25 suitors who will vie for Vassos' heart when the inaugural season of The Golden Bachelorette premieres this fall. The cast even includes someone with pre-existing ties to Bachelor Nation... Kelsey Anderson’s dad, Mark!

If that name sounds familiar, it's because fans were introduced to Mark during Joey Graziadei’s season of The Bachelor. Since first meeting during the hometown episode, he's gone on to become Graziadei's future father-in-law after Kelsey's journey ended in proposal.

According to his ABC bio, "Mark is empathetic and warm and has dedicated his life to working for the military. His five children are his greatest accompaniment, and he can’t wait to have grandchildren one day."

Mark's also "ready for love after loss" and "loved watching The Golden Bachelor because it made him realize he’s not alone in his grief," his bio reads. "He hopes to meet a woman to plant roots with again."

In addition to Mark — who's an army veteran from Leesville, La. — a few of Vassos' other suitors include retired banking CEO Michael, financial adviser RJ, FDNY Chief Thomas, emergency room doctor Guy, private investor Dan and portfolio manager Charles K.

Who's hosting The Golden Bachelorette?

Bachelor Nation's Jesse Palmer will host The Golden Bachelorette. He confirmed the news on Instagram in July 2024.

"It’s been a busy summer…🌹 #goldenbachelorette #bachelornation," wrote Palmer alongside a photo with Vasso. The host was wearing a classic suit and tie while the leading lady dressed in a sparkly dress that — of course — shimmered in gold.

Where to watch The Golden Bachelorette?

The Golden Bachelorette will premiere exclusively on ABC. Episodes will also be able to stream a day after on Hulu.

When does The Golden Bachelorette premiere?

The first season of The Golden Bachelorette premieres on Sept. 18 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.