Meet The NJ Contestants Vying For The First 'Golden' Bachelor's Heart

NEW JERSEY — Love has its own time and its own season – and for the contestants hoping to get a rose from ABC’s first-ever “Golden Bachelor,” that time and season could be coming very soon. Three New Jersey residents will be among the 22 bachelorettes looking for a lasting love in this chapter of their lives.

This latest spinoff to the network’s well-followed reality show “The Bachelor” features women between the ages of 60 and 79, who are competing to win the hearts of leading man Gerry Turner.

The 71-year-old retired restaurateur, an Indiana resident, is “a doting father and grandfather” who lost the love of his life Toni to an illness in 2017.

“Six years after Toni's passing and with the support of his family, (Gerry) is ready to put himself out there and find a love that will stand the test of time in his golden years,” the Bachelor site reads.

Gerry is "often busy hosting barbecues, playing pickleball, cheering on his favorite Chicago sports teams, four-wheeling and spending time with friends and family at restaurants and local haunts," his biography says.

The three Jersey girls competing for Gerry's heart are Anna, Theresa, and Maria — and all three shared how important their families and passions are to them in their "bachelorette biographies" for the show.

Here's some more information about each New Jersey contestant.

Anna

Age: 61

Hometown: Summit

Occupation: Retired nutritionist

Bio: "Anna is a woman of the world! She has traveled to over 20 countries, but is still looking for her travel partner for life. Anna has three daughters and loves hiking and skiing with them. The adventurous matriarch is looking for a kind, confident, sensitive, and emotionally intelligent man to share her life with. When Anna isn’t spending time with her family, she loves foraging for mushrooms and learning about new herbs and plants. She also loves to cook and is ready to prepare a gourmet dish for our Golden Bachelor. Gerry, I hope you’re hungry for love and a delicious meal!"

Theresa

Age: 69

Hometown: Shrewsbury

Occupation: Financial services

Bio: "Theresa is a gorgeous catch with a huge heart. She is very close with her children and grandchildren and loves nothing more than seeing them all thrive. Theresa describes herself as optimistic, encouraging, and ready to love again after loss. She hopes to meet a partner who will be her best friend in this next chapter of life and will appreciate all the little moments with her. When she’s not spending time with her family, Theresa enjoys playing board games, gardening, reading romance novels, and doing the hula hoop. Theresa is here for the real deal and fingers crossed it’s all fireworks when she meets the Golden Bachelor!"

Maria

Age: 60

Hometown: Teaneck

Occupation: Health and wellness director

Bio: "With a beautiful smile and a personality to match, Maria is a firecracker that’s ready to find a spark! Maria is a hopeless romantic who is looking for a kind, funny, and independent man that’s ready for 'a love adventure.' She has three children in their 20s and she loves them more than anything in the world. Maria’s career in health and wellness is extremely important to her, with a passion for helping families impacted by autism. When she isn’t working, Maria enjoys playing tennis, pickleball, and board games. Maria believes true love is within reach and we hope she’s right!"