Joan Vassos, a contestant from Gerry Turner’s season of The Golden Bachelor, is the first-ever Golden Bachelorette. The 61-year-old school administrator, who captured America’s hearts last year, is now on her own journey to find love. Who are The Golden Bachelorette contestants hoping to find their forever with Joan?

Bachelor Nation was introduced to Vassos on Gerry Turner’s 2023 season, ABC’s first “Golden” spinoff of the popular dating show. Sadly, her journey on The Golden Bachelor was cut short when she left due to a family emergency. Despite her early exit, Vassos quickly became a fan favorite to become the Golden Bachelorette, and the Maryland native later revealed to Insider that she was interested in the role.

ForbesWill There Be A ‘Golden Bachelorette?’ Here’s Who It Could BeBy Monica Mercuri

Two months after ABC announced The Golden Bachelorette spinoff, the network revealed Vassos as the leading lady for the inaugural season. In July, she shared with People the qualities she’s seeking in a suitor. “I’m very picky about a man being a gentleman,” she explained. “Somebody with a big heart, somebody who is generous and also somebody who’s humble.”

Vassos’ husband of 32 years, John, passed away in January 2021 from pancreatic cancer. “He was the husband that always made me feel safe and cherished,” she wrote on Instagram in January, marking three years since his death. “He was the parent that was always the fun one because that’s all he knew how to do…lucky kids because fun in his book was generally epic. I could go on for hours.”

In anticipation of the show’s premiere on Wednesday, September 18th at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, here’s everything you need to know about the Season 1 contestants and the men hoping to win Vassos’ heart on night one.

Who Are The Golden Bachelorette Season 1 Contestants?

Read on to learn about the 24 eligible bachelors starring in first season of ABC’s The Golden Bachelorette.

Bill

• Age: 68
• Occupation: Retired Videographer
• Hometown: Portland, Oregon

Bill, a retired videographer from Portland, Oregon, is a “self-proclaimed hopeless romantic who says, ‘I am Latin; romance is in my blood!’” according to ABC. At 68 years old, he is enjoying retired life but is eager to find someone to share his golden years with. Bill has two daughters with his ex-wife, and they are all very supportive of his journey to hopefully find love again.

Bob

• Age: 66
• Occupation: Chiropractor

Hometown: Marina Del Rey, California

Bob is an avid surfer and chiropractor who is ready to see if he and Joan have the totally tubular chemistry he’s been looking for. After his divorce, he’s eager to open his heart again and find a kind, patient, and compassionate partner. Outside of work, Bob enjoys ocean swimming, watching Pixar movies, and eating dark chocolate, according to ABC.

Charles K.

• Age: 62
• Occupation: Portfolio Manager
• Hometown: Rancho Palos Verdes, California

Charles K. is a handsome and sweet portfolio manager who loves to travel and is the life of the party. A strong family man, he says that his five kids are his greatest accomplishment. The 62-year-old is determined to prove that men over 60 “still have game, charm, and swag!” Charles K. has traveled the world looking for love and is open to living anywhere, but he’s just waiting to find that special someone.

Charles L.

• Age: 66
• Occupation: Retired Financial Analyst
• Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Charles L. is a retired data analyst and father of two who is ready for a second chance at true love. Having grown up in rural China and moved to the U.S. with only $20, he’s no stranger to taking risks. Now, he’s hoping Joan can match his kind heart, sense of humor, and sweet soul. The 66-year-old is seeking someone intelligent and kind and dreams of seeing Britney Spears in concert, according to his ABC bio.

Chock

• Age: 60
• Occupation: Insurance Executive
• Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Chock is a successful business owner and insurance executive from Wichita, Kansas. When he isn’t working or spending time with his kids, Chock loves exercising and rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs. The 60-year-old told ABC that love can be found at any age, and he’s looking for a compassionate partner. Now, he’s ready to see if Joan could be the one.

Christopher

• Age: 64
• Occupation: Contractor
• Hometown: West Babylon, New York

Christopher, a proud father and grandfather, is ready to leave his single days behind. While he takes great pride in owning a construction company, his three children and seven grandchildren are his most significant accomplishments. Christopher is ready to find a genuine connection with a sincere woman and sees a promising future with Joan. He told ABC he would love to cook for Joan and is ready to make her favorite dish.

Dan

• Age: 64
• Occupation: Private Investor
• Hometown: Naples, Florida

Dan is a private investor who is optimistic, loyal, and open-minded. He loves the simple things in life, like enjoying a Saturday morning at the farmers market. He deeply values his close relationships with the women in his life, including his two daughters and his sister. Dan is ready to meet the right woman to live out his golden years with.

David

• Age: 68
• Occupation: Rancher
• Hometown: Austin, Texas

David is a 68-year-old rancher who is ready to find his person. He paused dating for 16 years to focus on his kids but is now ready to meet the love of his life. David enjoys running marathons and spontaneously booking flights to new destinations. He’s hoping his future wife will want to travel the world with him and share new experiences during their golden years.

Gary

• Age: 65
• Occupation: Retired Finance Executive
• Hometown: Palm Desert, California

Gary is a retired finance exec who resides in Palm Desert, California, and is enjoying his retired life. He spends his time going to spin classes, golfing, and watching “The View.” As the godson of the legendary Tina turner, Gary also enjoys singing and dancing. As for his soulmate, Gary is looking or a kind, caring, and intelligent woman to explore the world with.

Gil

• Age: 60
• Occupation: Educator
• Hometown: Mission Viejo, California

Gil is a romantic, sweet, and emotional educator from Mission Viejo. As a father of two, he wants to prove that men can be committed and seek meaningful relationships in their golden years. He dreams of living by the beach in Hawaii with a lifelong partner. Gil’s favorite way to show affection is holding hands, and he hopes Joan will be the one he’s been waiting for.

Gregg

• Age: 64
• Occupation: Retired University Vice President
• Hometown: Longboat Key, Fla.

Gregg is a 64-year-old retired university vice president who has spent most of his life giving to others. He is a massive sports fan, loves to play golf, and is an avid reader. Gregg believes that there’s a soulmate out there for everyone and says Joan will find that he has a lot of love left to give. The Florida native is looking forward to seeing if she’s the one for him.

Guy

• Age: 66
• Occupation: Emergency Room Doctor
• Hometown: Reno, Nevada

Guy is an emergency room physician who has spent nearly 40 years helping others as a doctor. He is excited about the opportunity to meet someone he can share the rest of his life with. Guy loves spending time with his four kids and grandchild and says he does not fit into the “grumpy old man” stereotype. He is a big believer in chivalry and wants to make Joan feel extra special.

Jack

• Age: 68
• Occupation: Caterer
• Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Jack is a retired restaurant owner and chef who loves spending time in the kitchen. He wants to treat Joan like the queen she is and cook her a five-star meal. The father and grandfather is looking to find someone who can travel with him for life. Last year, he went on a solo trip to Italy, which made him realize he wanted a partner to enjoy the world with, according to his ABC bio.

Jonathan

• Age: 61
• Occupation: Shipping consultant
• Hometown: Oakland, Iowa

Jonathan is a shipping consultant full of life, love, and positivity. He hopes to prove that good men are out there with genuine intentions of dinging love later in life. The 61-year-old’s priority is his two kids, but he’s reading to make some time for his dating life. In his free time, he loves visiting museums, attending live theater, and being with his three pets — a dog, a cat, and a rabbit.

Jordan

• Age: 61
• Occupation: Senior Sales Executive
• Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Jordan is a glass-half-full kind of guy who is family-oriented and is close with three daughters and three brothers. Outside work, he enjoys walking his dog, Mickey, along the lake, eating deep-dish pizza from Lou Malnati’s, and playing ping-pong. Jordan is eager to find a woman to grow old with — someone who loves the outdoors, trying new restaurants, and isn’t afraid to be silly.

Keith

• Age: 62
• Occupation: Girl Dad
• Hometown: San Jose, California

Keith is a loving and smart creative sales director and father of three girls. According to ABC, the 62-year-old has devoted much of life to raising his daughters. Now that he’s about to be an empty nester, Keith is ready to prioritize finding love and hopes that Joan cab be the one. “Younger people shouldn’t be scared of growing older. Getting older ROCKS!” he proudly told ABC.

Ken

• Age: 60
• Occupation: Property Management Treasurer
• Hometown: Peabody, Massachusetts

Ken, a Boston native, is ready to find love and is described by family and friends as honest, adventurous, and incredibly active. A marathon runner, tennis player, and cycling enthusiast, Ken seeks a partner who can keep up with his active lifestyle and has a good sense of humor. Even in his 60s, he said he still feels young and is in a very happy place in life despite not having someone to share it all with.

Kim

• Age: 69
• Occupation: Retired Navy Captain
• Hometown: Seattle, Washington

Kim is a retired naval officer ready to sail off into the sunset with Joan. He loves spending time on his sailboat and hopes to take Joan for a romantic ride. As a proud father and grandfather, Kim is sincere and generous. The 69-year-old is ready for love and hopes to make his future partner feel special. His ideal date is cooking food together and having a romantic dinner in the backyard.

Mark

• Age: 57
• Occupation: Army Veteran
• Hometown: Leesville, Louisiana

Mark is an army veteran Bachelor Nation might recognize as Kelsey Anderson’s dad and Joey Graziadei’s future father-in-law. Mark told ABC he was inspired after seeing his daughter and Joey’s love story unfold on The Bachelor. Mark has dedicated his life to working for the military and says that his five children are his greatest accomplishment. He is hoping to find love again and hopefully return home with Joan.

Michael

• Age: 65
• Occupation: Retired Banking CEO
• Hometown: Denver, North Carolina

Michael, a sweet and retired banking executive, is ready to find his person. He’s a devoted father of two who is excited to explore new opportunities for romance. Outside work, he enjoys reading, watching movies, and visiting Chicago’s botanical gardens. Michael values listening and learning about his date (rather than talking too much) and is excited to start his journey on The Golden Bachelorette.

Pablo

• Age: 63
• Occupation: Retired UN Agency Director
• Hometown: Cambridge, Maryland

Pablo is a retired UN Agency Director who enjoys volunteering for the EMT in his free time. He loves visiting his kids and grandkids in California and New York, running ultramarathons, and watching rugby. A fan of rom-coms, Pablo isn’t afraid to shed a tear during romantic scenes. He believes in learning and exploring new things at any age and can’t wait to meet Joan.

Pascal

• Age: 69
• Occupation: Salon Owner
• Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Pascal is a French business owner who cannot wait to meet Joan. A proud father and grandfather, the 69-year-old enjoys going to the theater, trying new restaurants, and attending concerts. Pascal is French (which means romance is in his blood), and he’s hoping to meet a woman who is passionate, full of life and intelligent to start the next chapter with.

RJ

• Age: 66
• Occupation: Financial Advisor
• Hometown: Irvine, California

RJ is a financial advisor from Irvine, California. While he might be in his golden years, he told ABC, “Us old guys are still vibrant and suitable for love!” In his free time, he enjoys playing poker and golf and eating good food with good friends. The 66-year-old is looking for his “forever snuggle bunny” and hopes Joan is his happily ever after.

Thomas

• Age: 62
• Occupation: FDNY Chief
• Hometown: New York, New York

Thomas is a New York City firefighter who isn’t afraid for love to heat up. The 62-year-old told ABC that he’s excited about the opportunity to find love again. Thomas is a father of three and is very close with his kids. When he’s not at the firehouse, he enjoys playing ukulele, eating ice cream, and listening to Elton John while walking around Central Park.

Watch the official trailer for The Golden Bachelorette Season 1 below.