The Golden Bachelorette: Why Joan Vassos Refuses to Marry Chock Chapple in 2025

The Golden Bachelorette star Joan Vassos has openly shared her hesitations regarding marriage to Chock Chapple, revealing the underlying factors that have contributed to their delayed nuptials. Over the past few years, Joan has faced significant upheaval, prompting her to take a measured approach towards this new chapter in her life. At 63, this private school administrator transitioned from a life of relative anonymity after her husband, John Vassos, passed away in 2021 following a long battle with cancer. The couple had been married for 32 years and raised four children together, which adds to the complexity of her current situation.

Unexpectedly thrust back into the dating scene in her sixties, Joan’s journey began when The Bachelor franchise approached her. She initially made her debut on season 1 of The Golden Bachelor, competing alongside 21 other remarkable women for the affection of 72-year-old Gerry Turner. Although her participation was cut short due to a family emergency, destiny soon led her to become a key contender in The Golden Bachelorette, where she met the charming 60-year-old Chock Chapple amidst a colorful cast of 24 eligible men. Their connection blossomed quickly, culminating in an engagement.

Joan & Chock’s Inspirational Love Story

A Second Chance at Love

Watch their journey here

Joan’s initial attraction to Chock was apparent, granting him the first solo date in season 1, where they experienced a romantic day at Disneyland that deepened their bond. As the show progressed, Chock established himself as a frontrunner in Joan’s heart, making it almost inevitable that she would ultimately award him her final rose.

The couple’s engagement during the season finale marked a new beginning, but the couple faces significant challenges moving forward, primarily due to geographical barriers. Joan hails from Maryland, while Chock resides in Kansas, where he runs a successful insurance firm. Both of them wish to maintain their ties to their families, complicating any potential relocation for their relationship.

Navigating Family Dynamics

Blending Families: A New Challenge

Before her reality TV involvement, Joan’s life as a widow was starkly different. After losing her husband, she was left to manage solitary life, especially as her adult children established their own families. It was essential for her that her children welcomed Chock into their lives, which initially posed a challenge as they feared he might attempt to replace their father. This concern led to a pivotal moment during the season finale when Chock had the opportunity to personally assure Joan’s children of his intentions.

Chock, who is also a father of two adult children, Taylor and Tyler, from a previous marriage, expressed his commitment to valuing Joan’s late husband’s memory rather than overshadowing it. Following their engagement, the blending of their families has presented its own set of challenges, but after an intensified holiday experience together, the Vassos and Chapple families have begun to establish a rapport.

Joan’s Thoughtful Confession

Embracing Love Over Time

Joan and Chock together — Image by César García

Although The Golden Bachelorette season 1 concluded airing in winter 2024, filming wrapped up back in the summer. Joan and Chock’s engagement has lasted for nearly eight months, yet they show no urgency in setting a wedding date. The couple has maintained a deep connection, reportedly not spending more than 14 days apart since they got engaged. Joan, who currently boasts 186K followers on Instagram, and Chock with 78K, have become social media figures, receiving numerous opportunities for appearances.

In an exclusive interview with Parade, Joan shed light on why they haven’t finalized wedding plans.“I fall more and more in love with him every day, ”she confessed, emphasizing that despite her desire to marry, their busy lives currently hinder any wedding arrangements. They plan to capitalize on their post-show visibility while nurturing their relationship further.

The Future of Golden Bachelor Weddings

Caution After Past Experiences

Joan and Chock with Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist — Image by César García

Since their engagement on The Golden Bachelorette, Joan and Chock have radiated happiness, approaching their relationship with patience. This contrasts sharply with the first successful couple from the franchise, Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist, who hastily married only to announce their divorce shortly thereafter. The more cautious path that Joan and Chock are taking appears to be a prudent decision; they are likely to find time for their wedding once their schedules align.