Theresa Nist reveals how Gerry Turner's cancer diagnosis affected their decision to end 3-month marriage

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Theresa Nist, a former contestant on 'The Golden Bachelor', is opening up about the challenges she and her ex-husband Gerry Turner faced leading up to their split.

Nist shared how Turner's cancer diagnosis affected their relationship and the decisions that ultimately led to their divorce.

Theresa Nist recalls moment she learned about Gerry Turner's 'devastating' cancer diagnosis

Theresa Nist recalled the moment Gerry Turner revealed his diagnosis of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, a rare and slow-growing bone marrow cancer.

During a visit to Indiana in March, she learned the life-altering news.

"That’s devastating news, really. I was extremely upset," Nist said, describing her initial reaction.

Despite the severity of the diagnosis, Turner remained optimistic, telling Nist that it was a type of cancer he would likely outlive.

"He’s a very positive person, and I am too," Nist said of the 72-year-old reality TV star.

"I have every faith that it’s going to work out and that he’ll live a long and healthy life," she told People.

Gerry Turner on cancer diagnosis and priorities

Gerry Turner has spoken about how his diagnosis shifted his priorities, placing more emphasis on spending time with his family in Indiana.

This decision, he admitted, may have impacted his relationship with Nist.

“As Theresa and I were trying very hard to find our lifestyle and where we were going to live and how we were going to make our life work, I was unfortunately diagnosed with cancer,” he said

"When you are hit with that kind of news… you realize what’s important to you," Turner told People.

“The importance of finding the way with Theresa was still there, but it became less of a priority,” he admitted.

However, Nist clarified her decision to end the relationship, saying, "Part of it was the distance, but that wasn’t the only part."

Inside Theresa Nist and Gerry Turner's short-lived marriage

Theresa Nist and Gerry Turner’s romance blossomed on 'The Golden Bachelor', leading to their engagement during the November 2023 finale.

The couple tied the knot in January 2024 during a live televised ceremony.

However, after just three months of marriage, they announced their split in April, citing irreconcilable differences about their living arrangements.

Reflecting on their whirlwind romance, Nist acknowledged the challenges of building a relationship in such a short time.

"Four weeks is a very short span to get to know someone. There were only certain times I was with him one-on-one," she explained.

One of the major sticking points for the couple was where they would live.

Initially, they planned to relocate to Charleston, South Carolina, a state where Nist’s son resides.

However, Turner later suggested splitting their time between South Carolina and his lake house in Indiana, a compromise Nist was unwilling to make.

"I wanted a home together.. I really thought that was going to be phenomenal," she shared.

The couple’s attempts to find a home online never materialized, and communication about the matter eventually ceased.

Theresa Nist's message for Gerry Turner

Since their divorce, Theresa Nist and Gerry Turner have had little contact, though their daughters occasionally stay in touch.

As their first wedding anniversary approaches, Nist reflects on the highs and lows of their brief marriage.

"Sometimes I just can’t believe that I got married and divorced this year," she shared, adding, "How did that happen? So much happened to me, both good and bad, but I never like to regret anything."

Despite their differences, Nist wishes him "the best."

"I hope that he finds his person. I want him to be so happy, and I just wish him all the best of everything in the world," she said of Turner.