Summary

• The Golden Bachelor challenges stereotypes by showcasing seniors looking for love, proving romance has no expiration date.
• Gerry Turner's journey from charming bachelor to controversial figure takes a surprising turn after his dog's passing.
• Fans are divided on Gerry's character, with sympathy pouring in after his heartfelt tribute to his loyal companion.

If you thought The Golden Bachelor was all about rose ceremonies and picture-perfect love stories, think again. Gerry Turner, the silver-haired charmer who's been capturing—and breaking—hearts on the latest installment of The Bachelor franchise, has recently found himself in the hot seat.

Reality T.V. fans have started to see Gerry in a less-than-favorable light, especially after his messy breakup with show favorite Theresa Nist. But just when you thought things couldn’t get more dramatic, life threw Gerry a curveball that has everyone talking—and, surprisingly, sympathizing.

For those unfamiliar with The Golden Bachelor, it’s the latest spin-off in the Bachelor universe, and it’s nothing short of ground-breaking. This time around, the show focuses on seniors looking for love, proving that romance doesn’t have an expiration date.

The series has been praised for breaking the mold, with Gerry Turner, a 73-year-old widower, taking center stage as the first-ever Golden Bachelor. Fans have been hooked on watching older adults navigate the ups and downs of dating, making this installment a refreshing change from the typical 20-something drama.

Gerry Announced His Dog Recently Died

But Gerry’s journey hasn’t been all sunshine and roses. While he started off as the dashing older gentleman everyone was rooting for, recent events have painted him as more of a villain in the eyes of fans. The fallout with Theresa Nist has left viewers divided, with many accusing Gerry of being less than genuine.

But here’s where the plot thickens: even villains have a soft spot, and Gerry’s was his beloved dog, Cody.

On Friday, Gerry took to Instagram to share some heartbreaking news—his loyal companion of 11 years, Cody, had passed away. In a post that was equal parts tender and tragic, Gerry wrote, “Here’s to the dog that ushered me through the toughest times a man could endure. R.I.P. Cody. April 27th 2013 – August 15th 2024.”

The post was accompanied by a series of photos showing Gerry and Cody in happier times, which tugged at the heartstrings of even his harshest critics.

Fans Sympathized With Gerry’s Sad Post

As soon as the news broke, fans flooded his comments with messages of support. “Sorry for your loss. It’s like a family member,” one fan wrote, while another said, “I’m soo sorry!!! Rest in Peace, sweet Cody.”

Even Kathy Swarts, a fellow contestant on The Golden Bachelor, reached out, saying, “Gerry, I am so sorry to hear about Cody!!”

The loss, followed by the outpouring of sympathy, has been a surprising twist for Gerry, who just days earlier was celebrating his 73rd birthday with what appeared to be a picture-perfect day at the golf course. He posted photos of the celebration, which included his daughter and a group of friends, looking every bit the happy-go-lucky bachelor.

But was this his attempt to reinvent himself post-Theresa? Fans are divided. While some see this as a new chapter for Gerry, others aren’t so sure, especially given the barrage of comments calling him a narcissist and urging him to patch things up with Theresa.

In the end, Gerry Turner’s story on The Golden Bachelor has been anything but typical. From the highs of romance to the lows of personal loss, he’s shown that life—and love—after 70 is full of surprises. Whether he’s the hero or the villain of his own story, only time will tell.