Gerry Turner, the first Golden Bachelor, visits Kelley Automotive Group

Gerry Turner, the 72-year-old star of the hit ABC show The Golden Bachelor, made a special appearance at the BMW dealership of Kelley Automotive Group in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on Saturday, January 20, 2024. The event was a rare opportunity for fans to meet and interact with the Hoosier celebrity, who recently married his final rose recipient, Theresa Nist, on live television.

Turner, who hails from Hudson, Indiana, was the focus of the first season of The Golden Bachelor, a spinoff of the popular dating franchise that features contestants in their senior years looking for love. Turner, a retired engineer and widower, charmed viewers with his gentlemanly demeanor and adventurous spirit as he dated 25 women over the age of 65.

The meet-and-greet, which lasted from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., attracted hundreds of fans who lined up to take photos, get autographs, and chat with Turner. Some of them also brought gifts, such as flowers, chocolates, and cards, to congratulate him on his recent nuptials.

Turner shares his experiences and insights on the show

Turner, who wore a plaid shirt, a navy fleece jacket, and jeans, was all smiles as he greeted his admirers. He said he was grateful for the support and love he received from the public, and that he enjoyed being part of the show.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he said. “I met some amazing women, and I learned a lot about myself and what I want in a partner. I’m very happy with the outcome, and I’m looking forward to spending the rest of my life with Theresa.”

Turner also revealed some behind-the-scenes details about the show, such as the challenges of dating multiple women at the same time, the pressure of making difficult decisions, and the drama that ensued among the contestants. He said he tried to be honest and respectful with everyone, and that he followed his heart and intuition.

“I think the show did a good job of portraying me and the women accurately,” he said. “Of course, there were some edits and twists, but that’s part of the entertainment. I don’t regret anything I did or said on the show. I think it was a fair and fun representation of who we are and what we went through.”

Turner talks about his relationship with Theresa Nist

Turner also gushed about his wife, Theresa Nist, a 70-year-old retired nurse and grandmother from Shrewsbury, New Jersey, whom he proposed to on the finale of the show. The couple tied the knot on January 4, 2024, in a lavish ceremony that was broadcast live on ABC.

Turner said he knew Nist was the one for him when he first saw her on the show. He said he was drawn to her beauty, intelligence, and kindness, and that they had an instant connection.

“She’s my soulmate,” he said. “She’s everything I ever dreamed of and more. She makes me laugh, she supports me, she challenges me, she inspires me. She’s my best friend and my lover. I’m the luckiest man in the world.”

Turner said he and Nist are enjoying their newlywed bliss, and that they are planning to travel the world together. He said they are also spending time with their families, and that they are getting along well with each other’s children and grandchildren.

“We’re very happy and in love,” he said. “We’re living our golden years to the fullest.”

Kelley Automotive Group hosts the event as part of its community engagement

The meet-and-greet was hosted by Kelley Automotive Group, a family-owned and operated business that has been serving the Fort Wayne area since 1952. The group owns and operates several dealerships, including BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, MINI, Volvo, Cadillac, and Buick GMC, on Grand National Drive.

Stephanie Hartman, the chief operating officer of Kelley Automotive Group, said the event was part of the group’s commitment to creating unique experiences for the community and providing an opportunity for automotive enthusiasts to engage with entertainment influencers.

“We are excited to welcome Gerry Turner to BMW of Fort Wayne,” she said. “He’s a local hero and a national sensation, and we’re honored to have him here. We hope our customers and fans enjoyed meeting him and learning more about his story. We also hope they had a chance to explore our other dealerships and see our latest models and offers.”

Hartman said the event was a success, and that she was impressed by the turnout and the enthusiasm of the fans. She said she was also pleased with the feedback and the exposure that the event generated for the group.

“We’re very happy with the results,” she said. “We received a lot of positive comments and compliments from the fans and the media. We also saw an increase in traffic and sales at our dealerships. We think this event was a win-win for everyone involved.”