Joan Vassos, a 61-year-old school administrator from Rockland, Md., has been announced as the first leading lady of the highly anticipated reality dating show, "The Golden Bachelorette." The show is set to premiere on ABC this fall.

Vassos already made her mark on the franchise as a contestant on Season 1 of "The Golden Bachelor" last year. Despite developing a strong connection with contestant Gerry Turner, she made the difficult decision to leave during Week 3 to be with her daughter, who was facing a medical emergency.

As a mother of four and a grandmother of two, Vassos brings a wealth of life experiences and wisdom to the show. She was widowed after 32 years of marriage, and her dedication and love for her family have always been her top priorities.

In her spare time, Vassos enjoys listening to the music of Elton John, spending quality time with her dog, and exploring her culinary talents in the kitchen. Her down-to-earth hobbies make her relatable to viewers and a potential fan favorite.

"The Golden Bachelorette" was ordered to series by ABC in February, following the success of the inaugural season of "The Golden Bachelor." The show became the top-rated new alternative series of the 2024-2025 broadcast season among adults aged 18-49, reaching an impressive 43.5 million viewers.

Produced by Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Warner Horizon, "The Bachelor" franchise has captivated audiences for years. Season 28 of "The Bachelor" recently concluded on ABC in March with Joey Graziadei proposing to Kelsey Anderson. Additionally, Season 21 of "The Bachelorette," featuring Jenn Tran, is set to launch on July 8.

ABC announced that "The Golden Bachelorette" will air on Wednesdays at 8 p.m., as part of its fall schedule. However, it appears that there won't be a return of "Bachelor in Paradise" this year.

Fans of the franchise are eagerly awaiting the premiere of "The Golden Bachelorette," where Joan Vassos will have the chance to find love once again. With her compelling story and genuine personality, she is poised to create an exciting and heartfelt season for viewers to enjoy.