Gerry Turner will be making Bachelor Nation history this fall as he becomes the first to ever star on The Golden Bachelor, the new franchise spin-off targeting a pool of elder contestants.
While the 72-year-old stud told Entertainment Tonight that he is “looking forward to pioneering [his[ own way,” he mentioned that the Fantasy Suites — a Bachelor season staple — “may look quite different” for someone his age.
“The activities could be quite different than for someone in their 20s and 30s,” he explained.
However, he noted that the idea of Fantasy Suites and the potential for what may go down “really don’t” make him nervous, as he “feel[s] more energized.” What he really may need to worry about are his daughters (Angie and Jenny) and his granddaughters’ (Charlee and Payton) reactions to what he does while on the show.
He said that they have “given [him] good advice,” including to “pick your moments” and “enjoy every minute you can,” but when it came to kissing, they told Gerry, “absolutely none of that.”
“I’m ignoring that part of the advice,” he quipped.
As for other details surrounding the new spin-off, Gerry said that he is”not privy to all those conversations.”
Gerry was married to his late wife and high school sweetheart for 43 years before her passing in 2017, according to The Sun. He told ET that she, “would be thrilled for this.”
“We talked frequently as time went on [and] about what we expected for the other if one of us didn’t live forward, and it was, like, we both wanted the other to be happy,” he added. “She would be very encouraging.”
Although he described taking on this leading role as “a pretty big task,” he highlighted some of the key features he will be looking for in his ideal woman.
“I think the one thing I’m gonna look for is that look in the eye,” he said.
He also would love to find someone who is “sensitive,” “warm,” and “kind.”
“Someone who blends with me well, so that we feel a partnership,” he detailed. “I felt it before in my life, and it’s a very important factor.”
The Golden Bachelor airs this fall on ABC.
