Spoiler alert: this story contains details from the first episode of ‘The Golden Bachelorette.”
The season premiere of the ‘The Golden Bachelorette’ Wednesday night was filled with horses, serenades, and one-armed pushups.
The show opened with Rockville resident Joan Vassos putting on her jewelry to Kacey Musgraves’ song “Rainbow.” She gave a touching tribute to her late husband John to whom she was married for more than half her life.
“He just made life fun, he made me feel visible everyday. Best 33 years ever,” said Vassos.
Vassos, 61, awaited the contestants outside of the famous Bachelor mansion as she began her mission to find a second chance at love.
“I don’t know if you can have two great loves in one lifetime, but I’m hoping,” said Vassos, a private school administrator.
The black limos opened to reveal anxious yet eager men, each equipped with a skit to catch Vassos’ eye.
David, a 68-year-old Texas rancher, brought one of his horses to greet Vassos. The interaction was short-lived when his horse quickly ran away.
“Now that’s an entrance,” said Vassos.
Continuing the lavish acts was 68-year-old Jack from Chicago, who serenaded Vassos with Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.”
Charles K., a 62-year-old portfolio manager, descended from the limo using a walking cane. Tricking Vassos, he dropped the cane to the ground and broke out into one-armed pushups.
Charles L. from Malvern, Pa. hilariously shared his amazement with the kitchen situation in the mansion.
“This is beyond my imagination,” said Charles of the kitchen’s refrigerator.
Season 28 Bachelor winner Kelsey Anderson introduced her father, Mark, to Vassos. Anderson reminisced on her time on the show and shared her excitement for the Golden Bachelorette.
“You can just call me mom,” Vassos said to Kelsey.
Then, it was time for Vassos to make her way inside the mansion to start conversations with the men to form first impressions.
Jesse Palmer, the show’s host, announced a surprise for both Vassos and the men as he showed them a video compilation of well wishes from their loved ones.
Many connections were made between Vassos and the men, but one stood out in particular to the Golden Bachelorette.
She awarded the first impression rose to Keith, a 62-year-old from California who entered on a station wagon. Vassos attributed her decision to the way the station wagon reminded her of her childhood and how safe Keith made her feel.
The first impression rose automatically keeps the recipient safe in the rose ceremony for that night.
Vassos could only give out 18 roses on night one, so it was the end of the road for six men. Contestants Bill, David, Ken, Pablo, RJ, and Thomas packed their bags and ended their road to find love with Vassos.
The next episode airs Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Related:
Joan Vassos Anticipates ‘Emotional Journey’ as First ‘Golden Bachelorette’
‘Golden Bachelorette’ Preps for First Season With Rockville’s Joan Vassos
Rockville’s Joan Vassos Named First Ever Golden Bachelorette
