Gerry Turner's Daughter Says Response to His Split from “Golden Bachelor”'s Theresa Nist Has Been 'Disheartening'
"I kindly urge everyone to remember that behind every story, there are real people with real feelings," Gerry Turner’s daughter Angie said after the couple’s divorce announcement earlier this month
ABC/Brian Bowen Smith; Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty
Angie Warner (left) and Theresa Nist with Gerry TurnerGerry Turner’s daughter Angie is weighing in on the backlash her family has received following her father’s shocking divorce from Theresa Nist.
The daughter of the former Golden Bachelor lead, 72, shared on Instagram on Wednesday, April 24, “It’s no surprise the news of my Dad and Theresa choosing to split has sparked a range of emotions and opinions.”
“I love how invested people were in the show, what an experience to have you along for the ride!” she wrote. “What has been disheartening is the level of rage and cruelty that our family has been met with.”
Related: Golden Bachelor's Theresa Nist Reveals the 'Source of Joy in My Life' Following Gerry Turner Divorce
“My Dad and Theresa are kind, good people that made this decision for them, no one else,” she continued. “I kindly urge everyone to remember that behind every story, there are real people with real feelings.”
She went to thank fans who have supported both her family and Nist, 70, amid the divorce, saying, “To all those that have chosen to show my dad, Theresa and our family love and compassion…Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
The post also included a quote which read, “Everything always works out in the end.”
Angie — who Turner shares with late wife Toni — also praised Dear Shandy cohost Andy Levine’s take on the matter. She noted he “really nailed this sentiment” on his show.
On the podcast, Levine explained, “I 100% believe there was a real, strong romantic connection.”
“Even they got swept up like kids. If anything, I think they should be given credit for ending it so soon,” Levine said in a clip shared on YouTube. “They could’ve milked this for a year. [Gerry] could’ve been like, ‘Hey Theresa, let’s get some Instagram followers, let’s get some fame, let’s get some red carpet.’ No. To be fair to us, and the world, we’re going to end this sooner than anyone thought. And I give them tremendous credit for that.”
The message comes after the reality TV couple announced their decision to divorce during a joint interview on Good Morning America, which aired on April 12 — the same day Turner officially filed.
"Theresa and I have had a number of heart-to-heart conversations, and we've looked closely at our situation, our living situation and so forth, and we've kind of come to the conclusion mutually that it's probably time for us to dissolve our marriage," the reality star said on the show.
The former couple said they were really nervous about how viewers of the hit ABC would react to the news, knowing that their union inspired so many singles in their 70s looking for love.
Disney/John Fleenor
From left: Theresa Nist and Gerry TurnerRelated: Golden Bachelor's Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist Didn't See Eye to Eye on Her Job Before Divorce
"We have received so much love and support from so many people who watch the Golden Bachelor and I don't think we can tell you how many people told us it gave them so much hope," Nist said. "We want none of that to change for anybody."
"Don't give up," she added. "Stay in it. Stay hopeful. 'Cause we are."
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Turner gave his final rose to Nist on the season finale of The Golden Bachelor on Nov. 30, 2023. The series followed the father of two (and grandfather of two) on his journey to find love after the death of his wife Toni.
Nist accepted the coveted flower — and his 3.15-carat, princess-cut diamond engagement ring from Neil Lane — but only after she said "yes" to Turner's hand in marriage when he got down on one knee and proposed. They went on to tie the knot in a lavish televised "Golden Wedding."
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