In a shocking turn of events, Gerry Turner, the star of 'The Golden Bachelor', proposed to Theresa Nist in the season finale of the show. However, their journey has not been without its challenges and controversies. At the For Your Consideration screening and panel at the Times Center in New York, Nist admitted that watching herself on television was a horrifying experience. She watched the episodes with her family, including her daughter, son-in-law, and three grandsons in New Jersey. Despite being prepared by Turner for what she would see on TV, there were still moments that took an emotional toll on her. Nist confessed to shedding tears over a few things, but ultimately, she loved all the women on the show.

Turner, on the other hand, revealed that it was soul-crushing for him to send some of the women home during the rose ceremonies. He acknowledged that it was a part of the process they all signed up for, but it didn't make it any easier. The couple discussed their upcoming wedding, which will be aired live on January 4th. Initially, a televised wedding wasn't part of their plan, but they realized that many people had been affected by their journey on the show and wanted to include them in the intimate experience. Turner felt a sense of responsibility to share their wedding with the public as proof that their love story worked.

Despite the challenges they faced, Turner and Nist agreed that their families were thrilled about their upcoming marriage and the televised wedding. Nist expressed her desire for all the women from the first season of 'The Golden Bachelor' to attend their wedding, showcasing the bond they had formed on the show. The couple displayed their affection for each other during the 'Bachelor' event, sharing a sweet kiss in front of the audience.

Nist works as a Senior Compliance & Operations Liaison at Tomorrow's Financial Services (TFS) in Lincroft, New Jersey. She has over 20 years of experience in the field and started her career by successfully trading her own account. Despite rumors of a potential move to South Carolina, where Nist's son resides, she is currently still living and working in New Jersey.

However, their love story hasn't been without controversy. Prior to the finale episode, allegations emerged that Turner had a secret girlfriend despite claiming he hadn't seriously dated since his wife's death in 2017. Turner, in an interview with Katie Couric, chose to focus on the present and didn't see any benefit in dwelling on the past.

Additionally, the runner-up of the show, Leslie Fhima, made some unflattering claims about Turner. Fhima felt blindsided by his decision to choose Nist over her, as she believed she was going to receive the final rose. She stated that Turner had made plans for their future and had implied a potential proposal. Fhima expressed her disappointment and hurt, feeling that Turner had used the phrase "I love you" too freely.

Despite the controversies and challenges, Turner and Nist are determined to focus on their love and their upcoming wedding. They believe that, at their age, time is precious, and they want to spend every moment living the life they desire. With their televised wedding approaching, they hope to prove that their love story can withstand the obstacles thrown their way.