Gerry Turner, the 74-year-old breakout star of The Golden Bachelor, has announced that he is officially engaged again. Turner, who became a household name as the first senior lead in The Bachelor franchise, shared the joyful news on October 3, 2025, through his Instagram account.
In his post, Turner stood smiling beside his fiancée, Lana Sutton, on a picturesque beach. With Sutton showing off a sparkling engagement ring—a classic round-cut diamond mounted on a diamond-encrusted band—the message was clear: Turner had found love once again.
His caption read:
“We’ve got BIG news. The Golden Bachelor is OFF the market. I found my perfect match and she said ‘YES’. I Love this woman.”
The engagement came as a surprise to many fans who have followed Turner’s very public romantic journey over the last two years.
How Gerry and Lana Met and Built Their Bond
Turner and Sutton began dating in March 2025, just months after he finalized his divorce from Theresa Nist, the winner of The Golden Bachelor.
Unlike his whirlwind televised romance, Gerry and Lana’s relationship grew more organically. They first connected online through Facebook, where Sutton, a retired school administrator and fellow Indiana resident, struck up a conversation with Turner.
From the start, their romance was defined by adventure and shared energy. In interviews, Turner explained that they had traveled somewhere “pretty much every weekend” since becoming a couple.
Their Early Trips Together
- Big Ten Basketball Tournament – Their very first trip together was to the men’s college basketball tournament, reflecting their mutual love for sports.
- Volleyball Tournament in Indianapolis – Shortly after, they attended a volleyball event, enjoying more time immersed in live sports culture.
- St. Louis Adventure – The pair visited St. Louis, attending a Cardinals baseball game and exploring the city.
- Charlotte, North Carolina – They also spent a weekend in Charlotte, meeting Sutton’s parents and bonding further as a family.
Within just two months of dating, Gerry highlighted how naturally adventurous their bond had become, saying:
“Her level of adventure and mine are very similar. We enjoy the same kind of fun.”
In September 2025, Sutton also shared snapshots of a trip to Niagara Falls, Canada, where the couple posed against the roaring waterfalls, showcasing their growing closeness.
Gerry’s Past Marriage to Theresa Nist
The Golden Bachelor Journey
Turner originally captured America’s heart in 2023 when he starred as the first-ever “Golden Bachelor,” a spinoff of The Bachelor designed for older contestants seeking love later in life. His gentle demeanor, emotional openness, and devotion to family made him a favorite among fans.
In the finale, he chose Theresa Nist, a financial services professional from New Jersey, giving her his final rose. Their romance culminated in a live televised wedding in January 2024, held at the La Quinta Resort & Club in California. The ceremony was officiated by Bachelor Nation favorite Susan Noles and celebrated widely among fans.
The Short-Lived Union
Despite the fairy-tale start, the marriage unraveled quickly. By November 2024, just 10 months later, the couple publicly announced their separation.
Both Turner and Nist explained that geographic distance played a central role in the breakup. Turner lived in Indiana, while Nist resided in New Jersey. Though they initially believed love could bridge the miles, the demands of family ties and personal commitments proved overwhelming.
In interviews, Nist later admitted:
“You really can’t know somebody in four weeks.”
She stressed that it wasn’t only about location but hinted at deeper incompatibilities that surfaced once the cameras were gone.
By June 2024, their divorce was finalized, ending one of the shortest marriages in Bachelor Nation history.
Gerry’s Health Battles
In December 2024, Turner publicly disclosed that he had been diagnosed with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, a rare and incurable type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow.
- Doctors placed him on a “watch-and-wait” plan, meaning no active treatment was necessary yet, but he undergoes regular blood tests to monitor the slow-growing disease.
- Initially, Turner was on a six-month checkup schedule, though his doctors indicated it would likely move to every three months once he turned 75.
- Despite the diagnosis, Turner reassured fans and loved ones that he “feels great” and is optimistic about his future.
In a podcast interview in April 2025, he said:
“Until I have any symptoms, there’s no treatment. So I just go for blood tests. The bottom line is I feel really good.”
Some reports suggested Turner’s health might have influenced his divorce from Nist, but she firmly denied this claim, stating that his illness was “a zero factor, absolutely zero” in their split.
A Comfortable Agreement with Sutton
Unlike his whirlwind romance with Nist, Gerry and Lana have taken a more measured approach to their relationship. Turner has described their bond as a “comfortable agreement,” emphasizing that while they are now engaged, they are not rushing into marriage.
In August 2025, Turner told People:
“We’ve talked about marriage, but what we have right now works so well. We’re enjoying life, and that’s what matters.”
For Turner, the engagement represents not just a romantic commitment but also a renewed embrace of joy after facing loss, divorce, and a cancer diagnosis.
Why This Engagement Matters to Fans
The announcement has sparked excitement across Bachelor Nation and beyond. Fans see Turner’s engagement as a reminder that love stories can begin at any age, even after heartbreak and health challenges.
It also reflects a broader message of resilience: Turner has faced public scrutiny, personal loss, and serious health concerns, yet he continues to pursue happiness with optimism and vulnerability.
What’s Next for Gerry and Lana
While the couple has not shared specific wedding plans, their relationship is expected to continue thriving with travel, family connections, and new adventures. For now, Turner and Sutton appear focused on enjoying life together—whether at sports events, family gatherings, or international trips.
Bachelor Nation, meanwhile, will be watching closely, cheering on the 74-year-old reality star who continues to inspire with his willingness to seek joy and companionship.
The Information is Collected from AOL and Yahoo.
