The reality TV star's unexpected health crisis cast a shadow over his whirlwind romance from "The Golden Bachelor."
According to Fox News, Gerry Turner disclosed that his March diagnosis of incurable bone marrow cancer significantly influenced his decision to end his marriage with Theresa Nist.
Turner, who made history as the first "Golden Bachelor" at age 72, was diagnosed with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, a rare type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that begins in the white blood cells. The devastating news came as the couple was trying to establish their new life together, searching for a shared home between New Jersey and Indiana.
Turner explained the overwhelming impact of his diagnosis on his priorities and decision-making. The reality TV star initially struggled to process the news, describing it as having "10 tons of concrete" dropped on him. His focus shifted primarily to spending time with his daughters, sons-in-law, and granddaughters, while the importance of finding a way forward with Nist became secondary.
Turner shared his diagnosis with Nist in mid-March, leading to a brief but profound conversation. The news left both parties struggling to navigate their new reality, though Nist maintains that the cancer diagnosis itself was not the direct cause of their divorce.
Nist revealed that Turner had assured her about the nature of his condition, suggesting it was a type of cancer he would likely outlive. She expressed confidence in his positive outlook and ability to manage the diagnosis effectively.
The couple's inability to agree on living arrangements emerged as another significant factor in their separation. Their initial plan to purchase a home together in South Carolina faced complications when Turner suggested alternating between locations instead.
Nist expressed her disappointment about the failed house-hunting process, sharing:
I really wanted a home together. I wanted the joy of being in a home together and designing a home together. I really thought that was going to be phenomenal. I was looking forward to that so much.
The house-hunting efforts gradually diminished, with email communications about potential properties eventually ceasing altogether. This breakdown in their shared future plans contributed significantly to their ultimate separation.
Turner has adopted a new perspective on life, inspired by Tim McGraw's song "Live Like You're Dying." He remains focused on embracing life's moments and avoiding regrets while maintaining warm feelings toward his former spouse.
The former couple acknowledges the special nature of their whirlwind romance, which included several franchise firsts. Their journey encompassed Turner's proposal in Costa Rica and culminated in a televised wedding ceremony, marking the first live nuptials broadcast for the franchise in a decade.
Despite their separation, both Turner and Nist have expressed continued affection for each other. Their joint appearance on "Good Morning America" in April revealed their mutual respect and understanding, with Turner stating: "There's no doubt in my mind I still am in love with her. I root for her every day."
Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist's marriage, which began with a televised wedding in January 2024, ended after three months due to Turner's cancer diagnosis and their inability to agree on living arrangements. Their separation, while influenced by Turner's health crisis, was ultimately driven by differing visions for their shared life together. The couple maintains mutual respect and affection for each other, even as they move forward separately. Turner continues to focus on his health journey and time with family while both parties look toward their individual futures with understanding and good wishes for each other.
