The Golden Bachelorette’s Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple have been under intense scrutiny since getting engaged during the final rose ceremony, and I wish people would leave them alone. Instead of attacking Joan and Chock, I wish people would realize what a great love story they are and how inspiring their relationship is. 61-year-old Joan was a contestant onThe Golden Bachelorseason 1, but when things didn’t work out with 72-year-old Gerry Turner, the private school administrator from Maryland was cast asThe Golden Bachelorette.

Joan met 60-year-old Chock during the premiere night ofThe Golden Bacheloretteseason 1. Though he didn’t receive her first impression rose, he did receive her highly coveted first solo date. That date was a turning point in their relationship, and neither of them ever turned back. By the time Joan was giving Chock her final rose, it was a foregone conclusion. She had sent her runner-up home earlier, so there wasn’t even a traditional rose ceremony.Joan and Chock seem happily engaged, but that hasn’t stopped people from being unfairly critical of them.

a montage of Gerry Turner from the golden bachelor in side by side images

Joan & Chock Deserve To Be Happy

They’ve Both Been Through So Much

Joan and Chock had been through so much loss over the last few years, so they saw kindred spirits in each other. Before appearing as a contestant onThe Golden Bachelorseason 1, Joan wasmarried to John Vassos for 32 years before he passed away in 2021. Throughout Joan’s time on both shows, she struggles with the guilt of dating other men, despite John being gone. She kept feeling like she was cheating on her late husband, even though he had wanted her to move on and not spend the rest of her life alone.

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Chock has also experienced the loss of a great love. His fiancée of nine years, Katherine Goree, passed away in 2022. While Chock was filmingThe Golden Bacheloretteseason 1, his elderly mother died. Chock had to leaveTheBachelormansion to go home and be with his family. He tearfully bid Joan farewell, and it was unclear if he’d ever return.Joan was devastated to lose Chock, but he found a way to make it back to her. He was already so deeply committed to Joan he didn’t want to miss out on winning her heart.

montage of Joan Vassos & Chock Chapple from the golden bachelorette looking in love

Joan & Chock Seem To Be Blissfully Happy

“Love Is Golden”

It’s hard not to notice how happy Joan and Chockhave been since getting engagedduringThe Golden Bacheloretteseason 1 finale. Once Joan and Chock were finally able to go public with their relationship, they were eager to shout their love out from the mountaintops of social media. From the moment Chock slipped a ring on Joan’s finger, they haven’t been able to keep their hands off each other.

Joan and Chock are so into each other, and everyone should be happy for them.

The Golden Bachelorette Official Poster

Soon after their engagement went public,US Weeklyposted a photo shoot of the couple on Instagram, in which Joan and Chock joyfully celebrate their engagement. The post’s caption reads, “Love is golden.“Joan and Chock are clearly on the path to their happy ending, and instead of hating on them, I wish people would be happy for them. They’resetting a great example for older people who want to find love again, and I’m inspired by their willingness to open their hearts after experiencing so much pain.

Joan & Chock Should Ignore The Haters

They Don’t Owe Anyone Anything

Joan and Chock have been under enormous scrutiny since getting engaged onThe Golden Bacheloretteseason 1. Between accusations of being a showmance, or being clout chasers,Joan and Chock have received criticism. The happy couple should do their best to ignore the noise andremember that most people are happy for them. The haters happen to be louder, but it doesn’t mean they represent the majority. Joan and Chock should shut out the drama and focus on making each other happy.

61 years old

Private school administrator

175K Instagram followers

60 years old

73.5K Instagram followers

The Golden Bachelorette

Cast

The Golden Bachelorette: This reality series offers one woman in her later years the opportunity to find love, as a group of seasoned men compete for her affection. Participants bring diverse romantic histories, seeking a meaningful connection and a chance to build a promising future together.