Joan Vassos, the 61-year-old lead of the upcoming Golden Bachelorette season, is a mother of four children: Nicholas, Erica, Allison, and Luke. Her late husband, John Vassos, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2021, fathered these children with her. Joan’s children have had mixed reactions to her dating on national television, with some finding it fun and exciting while others feel embarrassed at the idea of their mom kissing someone on TV. However, all of her kids are supportive of her quest to find love.
Nicholas, Joan’s oldest child, was born in 1990 and is an accomplished athlete who played football and wrestling in high school. He later studied at Georgetown University and graduated with a degree in business administration from the University of Maryland. Nicholas currently works as a senior manager of business systems at an insurance company. Erica, the second child, was born in 1991 and is a teacher in Bethesda, Maryland. She met her husband, Brent Hiken, at a tiki bar and got married in 2022. Erica gave birth to her daughter, Hartley Grace Hiken, the following year.
Allison, Joan’s third child, attended Towson University and the University of Maryland, where she graduated in 2018. She is an entrepreneur who owns a clothing store called Itty Bitty Boutique in Maryland. Allison also has a son, as per her Instagram bio. Luke, the youngest of Joan’s children, was born in 1996 and is also a talented athlete who played lacrosse at Marquette University. He is currently working as a corporate account executive at Okta, a software development company, and volunteers with Milwaukee Wheelchair Lacrosse, teaching the sport to wounded veterans.
Joan previously appeared on The Golden Bachelor’s debut season with Gerry Turner as the lead but had to leave during week 3 to care for her daughter Erica, who had just given birth. Amidst her journey to find love on the show, Joan reflects on the love and support she received from her late husband, John, during their 32 years of marriage. Despite his passing, she cherishes the memories and funny stories they shared together. Joan’s children, although having varied reactions to her dating on TV, are all rooting for her to find love and happiness in this new chapter of her life. With the support of her family, Joan navigates the challenges and excitement of dating on national television as the first lead of the Golden Bachelorette spinoff.
