The Golden Bachelor unveils first senior leading man at age 71

gerry turner, the golden bachelor
Golden Bachelor unveils first senior leading manABC/Brian Bowen Smith

The Golden Bachelor has found its very first senior leading man, Gerry Turner.

In the latest spin-off from The Bachelor, which will also air on ABC in the autumn, this self-proclaimed hopeless romantic hailing from Indiana "is given a second chance at love in the search for a partner with whom to share the sunset years of life," (per Variety).

At 71 years of age, retired restauranteur Gerry is still getting to grips with life following the death of his wife Toni in 2017. They were married for 43 years and raised daughters Angie and Jenny, who in turn gave them granddaughters in Charlee and Payton.

gerry turner, the golden bachelor
ABC/Brian Bowen Smith

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Ahead of his big TV break, he appeared on Good Morning America today (July 17) to reflect on his past heartbreak.

"[Toni] got robbed. Every day that goes by, that's the thought that I have," he began.

"I have her picture on a dresser in my closet. Every morning I give her a nod, 'So what do you think about this?'

gerry turner, the golden bachelor
ABC/Brian Bowen Smith

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"For a while it was like, I was having a hard time figuring out if she would be okay. But we always told each other when one of us goes, we want the other to be happy. She's up there rooting [for me]. She's saying, 'Yeah, Gerry. Do this.'"

He then rhymed off a few traits he'll be looking for in a potential match, commenting: "I'd love it if I found a partner who is high energy.

"Someone who maybe plays pickleball; someone who maybe plays golf."

The Golden Bachelor premieres on ABC later this year.

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