Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist Divorce: The Real Reason ‘The Golden Bachelor’ Couple Split

Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist made history as the first couple to marry from The Golden Bachelor. Their wedding brought hope to fans who loved seeing two people find love later in life. But only three months after saying “I do,” the couple announced their divorce. Here’s what really happened between Gerry and Theresa, and why their relationship came to an end so soon.


Why Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist Decided to Divorce

In April 2024, Gerry and Theresa shared on national television that they were ending their marriage. Both explained that distance and lifestyle differences were the main reasons for their split.

Gerry lives in Indiana, while Theresa’s work and family are in New Jersey. The couple tried to find a home together, but they couldn’t agree on where to live. “We looked at home after home, but we never made that decision,” Theresa said during their announcement.

Gerry added that both of them were deeply connected to their families and didn’t want to move away from them. After many honest talks, they decided that living apart would be best for both of their happiness.


The Challenge of Long-Distance Love

Theresa admitted that her career played a big role in the situation. She still worked full-time and wasn’t ready to retire, while Gerry was already enjoying retirement. Their schedules and goals were very different.

“I still work, so that’s the hurdle,” Theresa explained on a podcast before their split. Gerry, meanwhile, said he wanted to spend his days traveling and trying new things. “I wanted fun and adventure,” he shared.

Their lives were simply headed in different directions, and the long distance made things even more difficult. Eventually, they realized that love alone wasn’t enough to overcome those challenges.


Gerry and Theresa’s Prenup Agreement

Before tying the knot, Gerry and Theresa decided to sign a prenuptial agreement to protect their personal finances. They both agreed that it was the responsible thing to do, especially later in life.

In his book, Golden Years: What I’ve Learned from Love, Loss, and Reality TV, Gerry mentioned that having a prenup was important to him. He wanted to make sure they started their marriage on clear and equal terms.

Although it was a serious topic, both approached it with maturity and mutual respect.


When the Divorce Happened

Gerry officially filed for divorce in April 2024, the same day the couple made their public announcement. The divorce was finalized just two months later, in June 2024.

While the marriage was short, both Gerry and Theresa spoke kindly about one another. They said they were grateful for the support from fans who followed their journey from the beginning.

In later interviews, Gerry reflected on what he learned from the experience and how it helped him better understand himself and what he wanted in the future.

Life After the Breakup

After the divorce, both Gerry and Theresa focused on moving forward in positive ways. Gerry shared that he spent time healing and finding peace, supported by his close friends and family.

Theresa continued working and spending time in New Jersey, keeping her life steady and private. Though they went their separate ways, both have said they are thankful for the love and encouragement they received from fans.


A Real-Life Lesson About Love

Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist’s story may not have had the ending fans expected, but it still inspired many people. Their journey showed that love can happen at any age — and that even when things don’t last forever, the experience can still be meaningful.

Sometimes, love is about trying, learning, and growing. Gerry and Theresa’s relationship wasn’t a failure — it was a reminder that happiness can take many forms and that it’s never too late to start again.