Theresa Nist’s marriage to Gerry Turner may have only lasted three months, but the 70-year-old says she’s grateful for the experience.
As The Ashley recently told you, the Golden Bachelor couple announced last week that they are ending their marriage, just months after tying the knot in a televised wedding ceremony. During a joint interview, they claimed their split was amicable and partially due to their inability to agree on a location to buy a home. (The two have continued to live separately since tying the knot– Gerry in Indiana and Theresa in New Jersey.)
Earlier this week, Theresa took to Instagram to share an inspirational quote by Dr. Seuss and thank those who have “expressed love, support and kindness” to her following the news of her and Gerry’s split.
“You are all such wonderful human beings,” Theresa wrote. “It means the world to me that you took the time to reach out to me, whether in person, on the phone, by text or by direct message. You are all so kind to do so.”
Theresa even went on to address those who may have been “confused and angry” by the news, asking that they try to understand and “try a little kindness.”
“Not just for me but for the world and for everyone you encounter,” she continued, before going on to talk about her experience on ‘The Golden Bachelor.’
“It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life, something I never expected to happen at this point in my life and I truly thought it was going to last forever,” she wrote. “It turns out, even at the age of 70, you don’t know everything.
“Sometimes things don’t go the way you planned and that’s okay,” she added. “I take so many positives away from this experience, most importantly and above all the incredible friends I now have in all of these amazing, wonderful women … the producers, the production crew and so many of you.”
Theresa concluded her post by encouraging fans to “stay open to all the experiences, opportunities, and love that may come your way.”
“Keep smiling, keep laughing… I will,” she added. “I love you all.”
Theresa’s post was met with mixed comments from fans of the show, as well as an “I told you so” from fellow ‘Golden Bachelor’ contestant April Kirkwood.
“I wish you the very best,” April commented on Theresa’s post, according to Us Weekly. “I truly tried to tell you, but this was your lesson to experience. Much love!”
After receiving some backlash for her harsh words, April–- who seemingly deleted her original comment on Theresa’s post-– went on to respond to one of her critics.
“I care for all women in the world,” she wrote. “I want us all to learn from each other and be smart and empowered. Lessons offer us the opportunity. We’ve all had our hearts broken…what we do with it is entirely up to us! Let’s rock this world ladies. [Theresa] can lead the way!”
The following day, April returned to the comment section to “publicly apologize” for her “error in judgement.”
“I sincerely meant no ill will,” she wrote. “I wish all women only peace and power to be their best selves. This was not one for me. Much love and gratitude for understanding.”
Theresa’s post also garnered quite a few comments of support, including one from ‘Golden Bachelor’ runner-up Leslie Fhima, who some fans are hoping will be named the first Golden Bachelorette.
“I love you my friend,” Leslie wrote. “I’m so happy to call you that.. you’re beautiful inside and out.”
As The Ashley previously told you, the inaugural season of ‘The Golden Bachelorette’ is set to premiere this fall; however, a lead for the spin-off has yet to be announced.
RELATED STORY: ‘The Golden Bachelor’ Couple Gerry Turner & Theresa Nist Announce They’re Divorcing After Four Months of Marriage
(Photos: Instagram)
